category: Campus News Ken Sparks to Continue Coaching, Treatment Planned for December category: Campus News | July 30, 2012 by Adam Cavalier, Athletics Communications Director Jefferson City, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks will coach the 2012 season as he works to overcome cancer. Sparks’ historic 33rd season at the helm of Eagles football program was up in the air a month ago following a diagnosis of and surgery for prostate cancer. However, the outlook changed for the positive after a recent follow-up exam. “My tests were excellent, I was cleared to run 4 miles the other day, it was a lovely pain,” Sparks said. “I’m scheduled for radiation starting in December after the national championship game. It’ll be six weeks of daily radiation treatment, but I’m thankful that I can be used by the Lord to encourage men to not only take care of their physical bodies, but also take care of themselves spiritually. Sparks, 68, is on the verge of becoming the 11th coach to hit the 300-win mark. With his next win – his 300th – he’ll tie Delaware’s Tubby Raymond and enter the top ten for wins across all divisions. The 1968 C-N graduate is already the all-time wins leader for Division II coaches. Sparks credits his faith for helping him through this time. “The Lord called me to coach,” Sparks said. “He’ll let me know when it’s time not to coach. If I don’t connect with kids, then I don’t need to be trying to coach kids. If I don’t have a greater reason to coach than football, then I need to do something else. “I’ve looked in the Bible for retirement help, but I can’t come up with it.” Sparks’ cancer was rated as a nine out of 10 on the Gleason Scale. A rating of 10 is the most aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Campus News Moser Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Launched at Carson-Newman The future of creative enterprise received a boost Tuesday as Carson-Newman University unveiled the new Moser Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, expanding learning opportunities for both students and the business community […]
Campus News Carson-Newman hosts Wild Blue Yonder in Concert Carson-Newman University presents Wild Blue Yonder in concert Monday, March 25. Sponsored by C-N’s Appalachian Cultural Center, the 4 p.m. concert will be held in Thomas Recital Hall located in […]
Campus News Carson-Newman Spring Breakers: Despite darkness, God still moving Carson-Newman University student Lexi Ray had one request upon returning from her Spring Break trip in early March. “Pray for this world and everyone in it.” Ray, a senior photography […]