Carson-Newman’s recently retired head football coach Ken Sparks passed away at the age of 73 on Wednesday morning while at his home with family. He was considered to be one of college football’s all-time greatest coaches. He started at Gibbs High School in 1968 with his philosophy of, “It’s never about wins on the field, but the victories of the soul.” Sparks battled prostate cancer for years. Before his retirement, he continued coaching even after announcing that he had cancer in 2012. A spokesperson for the athletic department at Carson-Newman released the following statement: “It’s with a great deal of sadness that I pass along the news that legendary head football coach Ken Sparks has passed away.” Sparks was known for pointing out his relationship with Jesus Christ as what got him through his days.