Carson-Newman’s Sparks plans to coach despite prostate cancer treatment

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman coach Ken Sparks plans to return for a 34th season next fall as he continues undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Sparks, 68, has a 308-83-2 record at Carson-Newman and ranks ninth on the all-time list in career wins. The only active coach with more career victories is Mount Union’s Larry Kehres, who is 331-24-3 in 27 seasons.

After being diagnosed in June with prostate cancer that has since spread to the bone, Sparks continued coaching and led Carson-Newman to a 9-3 season that ended with a 48-26 loss to Valdosta State in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.

Sparks announced his decision Thursday and said he plans “to live life every day as full as I can and max it out at every opportunity.”