Sad news from the world of college football:
Sparks was the iconic coach at Carson-Newman. He had been battling prostate cancer since 2012. WBIR-TV in Knoxville reported doctors stopped treating the disease in January, and Sparks had been in Hospice care the last several weeks.
Sparks served as head coach for 37 seasons, from 1980 through 2016, compiling a 338-99-2 record. The 338 wins are fifth most of any college coach. He retired in November, 2016, citing health concerns. The announcement was gut wrenching:
Sparks talked to WBIR about his battle with cancer.
