category: Campus News Tony Dungy honors Coach Sparks with Uncommon Award category: Campus News | May 2, 2013 Tony Dungy, left, congratulates Eagles Head Football Coach Ken Sparks on receiving the inaugural Uncommon Award. Former NFL coach Tony Dungy has presented Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks with the inaugural Uncommon Award, which is meant to recognize an individual for their “uncommon leadership through character and faith.” Sparks received the award during a banquet in Minneapolis, Minn., in which Minnesota Viking head coach Leslie Frazier was also a participant. “It makes you think that maybe the Lord has used you to have some influence and some impact,” Sparks said. “That’s what we all want to do; we want to honor the Lord with some things that make a difference for eternity. “The fact that it’s the first one ever picked, that it’s picked by Tony Dungy – that makes it special. I receive it on behalf of the Lord and on behalf of every kid that played for me – because they’ve been uncommon as well.” The weekend was especially meaningful to Sparks because he was able to witness 300 professions of faith at the event. “We started the weekend with 6,000 men in an (assembly hall). They heard from a couple of all-pro players who played for Tony (Dungy) give their testimony,” Sparks said. “Three hundred of them made a decision that they wanted to live for the Lord, and that’s always exciting to be a part of.” The statue for the Uncommon Award is adorned with representations of Dungy’s father Wilbur Dungy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Dungy’s college coach Cal Stoll. “It’s very humbling,” Sparks said. “To know that it’s not about you. To know that a guy coaching at Carson-Newman, who has chosen to be at Carson-Newman for most of his career, it means a lot that the Lord can encourage him by letting him know that what he’s done does make a difference.” He’s been touted this year as the Jefferson Countian of the Year and has taken home lifetime achievement awards from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the American Football Coaches Association. Sparks enters his 34th year coaching the Eagles this fall. He’s won 308 games and is the winningest active head football coach in college football. Sparks is six away from tying Roy Kidd and Amos Alonzo Stagg for seventh on the all-time wins list for any division. – C-N’s Sports Information Office
Campus News Carson-Newman honors those announcing retirements Carson-Newman University held a special April 24 reception on campus for those announcing retirements this year. The group of six represents a staggering 186 years of total service to the […]
Campus News Ball and Richards named 2025 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award recipients Carson-Newman University announced that Samantha Ball and Oluwafemi Richards are recipients of the 2025 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The recognition, announced during C-N’s Honors Convocation, is the highest honor the […]
Campus News Carson-Newman presents highest faculty, staff honors Carson-Newman University presented some of its highest awards to faculty and staff during its 56th annual Honors Convocation on April 15. Those honored were Tom Griffin, Dr. Shawn O’Hare, Melissa […]