By Greg Myers
A 1980 graduate from Sparta High School is making a name for herself as a track coach in Tennessee.
Amy (Hartmann) Beckley, the daughter of Henry and Sue Hartmann of Sparta, recently led the Dyersburg girls track team  to second place at the state meet.
Beckley has coached track for six years and has captured six regional titles and three sectional titles to go along with second and third place trophies from state. She has also been named coach of the year for western Kentucky the past three seasons.
“We have had a lot of talent here,” said Beckley. “The kids have believed in me, and we all worked together. My job as coach is to put their talent to the best use, putting the right people in the right spots.”
Back in high school, Beckley qualified for state in the hurdles as a sophomore and as a senior and it was advice from legendary boys coach Buzz Bradley that stuck with her and helped her succeed as a coach.
“Buzz always showed an interest in how I was doing,” said Beckley. “Learning from him helped me greatly. I always had the competitiveness in me, and he helped me develop an understanding of the sport.”
It was only after tragedy struck Dyersburg that Beckley stepped in to take over the program.
“My three daughters were all in track, and their coach, who was a close friend of mine, came down with cancer and passed away,” said Beckley. “He was such a great coach that I knew I needed to do something for the program to continue. I went to the athletic director and asked to coach. That was just over six years ago.”