2012 Carson-Newman Football News

May 15, 2013
SAC names tabs two C-N football moments for top five in 20 for 20
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The South Atlantic Conference has named Carson-Newman football’s string of three national title appearances in four years and Ken Sparks 300th career victory as the fourth and third best moments, respectively, in the league’s 20-year history.

May 14, 2013
Turner announces O-line camp dates
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman offensive coordinator Mike Turner has set the Eagles annual offensive line camp for June 9-13.

April 30, 2013
Day, Hefner named athletes of the year at athletic banquet
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman football player Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) and softball player Brittany Hefner (Talbot, Tenn.) have been named the university’s male and female athlete of the year, respectively. The honors were determined by a vote among Carson-Newman coaches, administrators, team officials and Eagle Club members.

April 30, 2013
Dungy honors Sparks with Uncommon Award
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – 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.”

April 10, 2013
Eagles unveil 2013 football schedule
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman will play its first three games of its 2013 campaign inside the friendly confines of Burke-Tarr Stadium.

April 6, 2013
Barger, Cannon, Fishback, Isom and Julian enter C-N Athletics Hall of Fame
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman inducted five new members into its athletic hall of fame in a ceremony Saturday morning. This year's inductees are David Barger (Administrator, '70), Jerry Cannon (Basketball, '67), Joe Fishback (Football, '90), Mark Isom (Football, '85) and Lib Julian (Basketball/Baseball, '58).

April 3, 2013
Carson-Newman spirit squads begin Junior Eagle Cheer Program
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head cheerleading and dance coach Christy Bowlin has announced the start of the Junior Eagle Cheer Program. The program is a new cheerleading opportunity for third through fifth grade girls at C-N for the 2013-14 school year.

April 2, 2013
C-N to induct five into Hall of Fame Saturday
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman will induct five new members into its athletic hall of fame in a ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday. This year’s inductees are David Barger (Administrator, ’70), Jerry Cannon (Basketball, ’67), Joe Fishback (Football, ’90), Mark Isom (Football, ’85) and Lib Julian (Basketball/Baseball, ’58).

March 20, 2013
Barger named to SAC Hall of Fame
ROCK HILL, S.C. – South Atlantic Conference Commissioner Patrick Britz announced Wednesday that former Carson-Newman athletic director David Barger will be inducted into the conference’s hall of fame on June 6.

March 12, 2013
Thomas, Freeman power Orange in 24-16 come-from-behind spring game win over Blue
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman’s annual Orange and Blue spring game started inauspiciously for the Orange squad. The David Needs-coached Orange club bounced back from a couple of early fumbles to score 17 unanswered an in 24-16 Tuesday at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

March 11, 2013
Football splits squads, readies for Orange v. Blue Spring Game Tuesday at 4 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman football has taken the final step toward the 2013 rendition of the Orange and Blue game by dividing up its available players to the respective squads. The game is slated for a 4 p.m. kickoff Tuesday at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

March 8, 2013
Dungy and Gailey Address C-N Coaching Clinic
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – Former NFL coaches Tony Dungy and Chan Gailey reflected on their faith and memories of Carson-Newman head coach Ken Sparks at the 2013 Carson-Newman Football Coaches Clinic, held at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center on Friday night.

March 8, 2013
Dungy message to C-N football: “It’s what you do in the long run that counts.”
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Referencing Matthew 16:26, former NFL coach Tony Dungy told Carson-Newman’s football team Friday afternoon that the most important thing about football was not winning championship, but using football as a vessel to be a better person.

March 5, 2013
Eagles work to develop leadership as spring practice reaches final week
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman football finds itself exactly one week away from its annual spring game. In that week, Eagle head coach Ken Sparks looks for players to sure up leadership positions.

March 4, 2013
Sparks prepared to welcome Dungy, Gailey to C-N coaching clinic
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks is geared up to welcome hundreds of coaches to the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for the annual Carson-Newman Championship Coaching Clinic.

February 25, 2013
Sparks concludes opening week of spring practice looking for depth at o-line, quarterback
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – After the first seven sessions of spring practice, 34th-year Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks indicated that he saw a need for some more bodies along the offensive line and at quarterback.

February 20, 2013
Three-time FCS All-American joins football coaching staff as running backs coach
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks has hired three-time FCS all-American and Furman alum KD Anderson to coach the Eagles’ running backs.

February 15, 2013
Eagles open spring practice under drizzly skies at Mossy Creek
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. Carson-Newman football is 76 removed from its last game – a quarterfinal loss to eventual Division II national champion Valdosta State. Friday afternoon, the Eagles began their quest for a sixth national championship for head coach Ken Sparks, who enters his 34th season at the helm of the C-N football program.

February 5, 2013
Carson-Newman Football Signing Day Central
Check here on signing day to learn a little bit more about the newest additions to the Carson-Newman football team. Player capsules will be added throughout the day, so check back regularly for updates. Last updated 3:58 p.m., 2-7-13

January 28, 2013
Sparks lauded as Jefferson Countian of the Year
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks has been named Jefferson Countian of the Year by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Sparks received the honor Saturday night at a banquet. He said he had no clue the honor was coming.

January 22, 2013
Walker joins C-N as Academic Success Coach
JEFFERSON CITY – Tenn. – A school with a long line of coaches who have guided students to success on the field of competition is adding a coach to guide students and student athletes to success in the classroom. Carson-Newman has announced the hiring of Gloria Walker as an academic success coach. Walker will work closely with provost Kina Mallard, athletic director Allen Morgan and the Life Directions Center to ensure the success of student athletes in the classroom.

January 18, 2013
Former C-N football center Day earns consensus All-American status
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – With his selection to the Don Hansen All-American first team, Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) becomes Carson-Newman’s seventh consensus All-American since the school joined Division II in the early 1990s and its fist in a decade.

January 18, 2013
Former Vol joins Carson-Newman football coaching staff
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Former Tennessee Volunteer Nick Reveiz has joined the Carson-Newman coaching staff as a graduate assistant working with the Eagles linebackers. Reveiz finished his career with the Vols in 20010 with a 108-tackle season, including a career high 14-tackle performance in the Music City Bowl versus North Carolina.

January 17, 2013
An All-American in the classroom, Day makes d2football.com All-America Squad
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Current Knoxville West social studies teacher and former Carson-Newman center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) has landed on the d2football.com honorable mention All-American team. The award is Day’s fourth All-American honor this season. He becomes the 10th Eagle to make four All-American teams in a single year.

January 15, 2013
Eagles place five on Don Hansen All-Region Squad
BROOKFIELD, Ill. – Postseason honors continue to pour in for Carson-Newman football players. Five Eagles have landed on the Don Hansen All-Super Region II Team. Center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) and running back Brandon Baker (Miami, Fla.) made the first team offense. Kicker Curt Duncan (Morristown, Tenn.) wound up on the second team offense, while SAC co-offensive player of the year Brandon Haywood (Rockmart, Ga.) and defensive tackle Deshon Collins (Birmingham, Ala.) ended up on the third team.

December 29, 2012
Day honored as Division II’s best center with Rimington Award
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) has been lauded by the Boomer Esiason Foundation with the Rimington Award for Division II’s best center. The award is another in a heaping pile for Day. The Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.-native was a finalist for the Upshaw award for the nation’s best lineman, the winner of the SAC’s Jacob’s Blocking Award and a three-time all-SAC performer.

December 18, 2012
Dungy, Gailey headline annual Carson-Newman Championship Coaching Clinic
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Super Bowl Champion head coach and Football Night in America analyst Tony Dungy as well as current Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey will be feature speakers at the annual Carson-Newman Championship Coaching Clinic March 8-10 at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

December 17, 2012
Day and Baker wind up on AP Little All-America Teams
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) and running back Brandon Baker (Miami, Fla.) have both landed on the Associated Press’s Little All-America team, which is comprised of players from Division II, Division III and NAIA. Day made the second team, while Baker ended up on the third team. They are the first AP All-American selections for Carson-Newman since offensive lineman Thomas Battle made the team in 2008.

December 13, 2012
Sparks Stays
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks will continue to coach at Mossy Creek as he undergoes treatment for prostate cancer. The Eagles head man just completed his 33rd season at the helm of the Carson-Newman football program. Barring unforeseen complications, he said he’ll be on the sidelines for his 34th.

December 12, 2012
Day hauls in second team All-America honor from Daktronics
WICHITA FALLS, Texas – The postseason accolades continue to pile up for Carson-Newman center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.). The senior was named to the AFCA All-America team Monday. Wednesday, Day finds himself on the Daktronics’ All-America second team. Day is the 38th Carson-Newman football player to make multiple all-America teams in the same season.

December 10, 2012
Day named an AFCA All-American
WACO, Texas – Carson-Newman center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) adds another honor to his postseason accolades after garnering all-American status from the American Football Coach’s Association. Day is Carson-Newman’s first AFCA All-American since Eric Rice garnered the honor in 2007.

December 5, 2012
Episode 12 of The Ken Sparks Show Available Online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

December 5, 2012
Awards pile up for Duncan, kicker is a Capital One Academic All-American, Beyond Sport Network first team All-American
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – A day after being named a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Awards for the nation’s outstanding placekicker. Curt Duncan (Morristown, Tenn.) finds himself on the Capitol One Academic All-American second team and the 2012 Beyond Sports Network All-American first team.

December 4, 2012
Duncan named finalist for Fred Mitchell Award
CHICAGO, Ill. – Carson-Newman kicker Curt Duncan is one of 10 finalists for the Fred Mitchell Award for the Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, NAIA or NJCAA place-kicker that excels on the football field and in the community.

December 1, 2012
Eagles battle Blazers for semifinal berth
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – No. 22 and second-seeded Carson-Newman (9-2) has a shot to make it back to the national semifinals with its quarterfinal contest Saturday at noon against top seed and no. 17 Valdosta State (9-2). The Eagles last made it past the quarters in 2009 before succumbing to Grand Valley State in the semis. While it was the Lakers who ended the Eagles last playoff experience shy of the title game, it was Valdosta State that knocked Carson-Newman out of the playoffs the previous two times (2004 and 2008).

December 1, 2012
Carson-Newman falls to Valdosta State 48-26
VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Carson-Newman Eagles (9-3) fell to the Valdosta State Blazers (10-2) by a score of 48-26 in the quarterfinals of the 2012 NCAA Division II Football Championship at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Saturday afternoon. After leading 20-14 at halftime, the Eagles were outscored 34-6 in the second half as the Blazers clinched a berth into the national semifinals with the victory.

November 29, 2012
Day, Baker and Duncan end up on Daktronics All-Region Teams
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) and running back Brandon Baker (Miami, Fla.) landed on the Daktronics All-Super Region II first team, while kicker Curt Duncan (Morristown, Tenn.) ended up as a second team selection.

November 28, 2012
Episode 11 of The Ken Sparks Show Available Online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

November 28, 2012
Day named finalist for Upshaw Award for nation’s best lineman
MANHEIM, Pa. - Carson-Newman All-SAC center Kevin Day (Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.) can add another tally to a long list of postseason accomplishments. Day has been named a finalist for the Upshaw Award for Division II’s best lineman as selected by DII sports information directors.

November 24, 2012
Eagles battle Bears for second time Saturday in second round playoff game
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Second-seeded Carson-Newman and third seed Lenoir-Rhyne duel for the second time in 2012 in a second round playoff battle at Burke-Tarr Stadium Saturday at noon. The Eagles received a bye for the first round of the playoffs while the Bears used a dominating defensive performance to take down Fort Valley State 21-6.

November 24, 2012
Eagles withstand L-R rally, move on to regional finals
EFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (9-2) withstood a 28-point second half comeback from Lenoir-Rhyne (9-3) to hold on for a 38-35 second round win in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Carson-Newman advances the quarterfinals to face top-seeded Valdosta State on the road after the Blazers knocked out West Alabama 49-21.

November 21, 2012
Carson-Newman to offer free video stream for playoff game versus Lenoir-Rhyne
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – For the first time all season, the C-N athletic communications department will offer a free video stream for the Eagles playoff contest with the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears. Fans can access the stream at cneagles.com

November 19, 2012
Tickets available for Carson-Newman – Lenoir-Rhyne playoff game
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman’s athletic department has announced the sale of tickets for the Eagles playoff game against Lenoir-Rhyne, Saturday at noon. Chair back reserved tickets are 15 dollars, reserved bench 10 dollars and student tickets five dollars with a valid Carson-Newman student ID.

November 16, 2012
Episode Ten of The Ken Sparks Show Available Online
Carson-Newman offensive and defensive coordinators Mike Turner and Mike Clowney pinch hit for C-N head football coach Ken Sparks in breaking down the Eagles playoff clinching victory over the Mars Hill Lions.

November 13, 2012
Haywood named SAC co-Offensive Player of the Year; Eagles get nine on all-conference teams
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman quarterback Brandon Haywood (Rockmart, Ga.) has been selected as the South Atlantic Conference’s co-Offensive Player of the Year with Wingate’s Chris Bowden by the league’s coaches. Haywood joins four other Eagles on the league’s first team. Carson-Newman also put four players on the all-conference second team.

November 11, 2012
Carson-Newman gets bye for first round of D-II playoffs, two seed
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – When it was announced that Carson-Newman had earned the second seed in Super Region II, a chorus of cheers reigned down from a meeting room where C-N’s football players had gathered to watch the NCAA’s selection show. Carson-Newman concluded the regular season on a six-game winning streak to make its 13th appearance in the NCAA playoffs and its 23rd NAIA or NCAA postseason appearance under head coach Ken Sparks.

November 10, 2012
No. 24 Eagles prep for battle for playoff berth, senior day versus Mars Hill
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (7-2, 4-2 SAC) football returns home for the first time in nearly a month for its senior day contest against Mars Hill (6-3, 5-1 SAC) with a berth in the Division II playoffs on the line.

November 10, 2012
Carson-Newman mauls Mars Hill 35-17 on senior day, puts itself in position for playoffs
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - No. 24 Carson-Newman (8-2, 5-2 SAC) pulled out its second highest rushing tally of the season, piling up 488 yards on the ground against the number one defense in the South Atlantic Conference in Mars Hill (6-4, 5-2 SAC) en route to a 35-17 senior day win Saturday afternoon at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

November 8, 2012
Carson-Newman kicker lands on CoSIDA Academic All-District Team
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman kicker Curt Duncan (Morristown, Tenn.) has earned himself a spot on the CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Academic All-District Team for is efforts on the field and in the classroom.

November 7, 2012
Carson-Newman announces Military Appreciation Day for Mars Hill game
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – In honor of Veterans’ Day, Carson-Newman football is opening the gates to Burke-Tarr Stadium to all active service members and veterans for free for the Mars Hill game. In addition to free admission for those who have served, there will be a static display of a military helicopter and Humvee on the practice field from 11 a.m. to noon the day of the game.

November 7, 2012
Episode Nine of The Ken Sparks Show Available Online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

November 5, 2012
Baker brings in second SAC Offensive Player of the Week Award
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Brandon Baker (Miami, Fla.) smashed his way to his second SAC Offensive Player of the Week award following a 185-yard, four-touchdown performance in Carson-Newman’s 66-36 crushing of rival Tusculum. Baker is the only two-time SAC Offensive Player of the Week in the league for 2012.

November 3, 2012
Eagles close three-game road swing with rivalry game at Tusculum
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The second oldest football rivalry in Tennessee resumes when Carson-Newman (6-2, 3-2 SAC) makes the 45-minutes trek to Greeneville, Tenn., to tangle with Tusculum (2-7, 1-4 SAC) Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Carson-Newman beat the Pioneers 35-0 in 1904 and enjoys a 31-9-2 advantage all-time.

November 3, 2012
Carson-Newman crushes Tusculum 66-36
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (7-2, 4-2 SAC) racked up a season high 649 yards of total offense in a 66-36 blitzkrieg of the Tusculum Pioneers (2-8, 1-5 SAC) Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Field.

October 31, 2012
Episode Eight of The Ken Sparks Show Available Online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

October 29, 2012
Curt Duncan rakes in third straight SAC Special Teams Player of the Week
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Curt Duncan (Morristown, Tenn.) has been blasting kickoffs the last three weeks – setting up the Eagle defense to defend lengthy fields. As a result, the junior hauled in his third straight SAC Special Teams Player of the Week award and his fourth this season.

October 27, 2012
C-N preps for nation’s 18th best rushing attack, road contest at Brevard
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (5-2, 2-2 SAC) takes its high octane rushing offense on the road for a second consecutive week as the Eagles soar back into conference play with a match up with Brevard (1-7, 0-4 SAC) at Brevard Memorial Stadium. The Eagles rushing attack clocks in at second in the nation with 339 yards a contest while Brevard ranks 18th at 226 yards/game.

October 27, 2012
Eagles turn 7-7 halftime tie into 35-19 road win, Sparks moves into ninth on all-time wins list
BREVARD, N.C. – The path for Carson-Newman head coach Ken Sparks to get to career victory 305 was a rocky one. A feisty Brevard (1-7, 0-5 SAC) team stopped Carson-Newman (6-2, 3-2 SAC) twice on drives inside the Tornados’ 25-yard line, turning those into seven points.

October 24, 2012
Episode Seven of The Ken Sparks Show available online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

October 23, 2012
Eagles clock in in fifth in first regional rankings
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman football finds itself in fifth place in Super Region II in the regional rankings released Tuesday following the Eagles 31-10 victory over UNC Pembroke Saturday.

October 22, 2012
Duncan blasts kickoffs, nets second straight SAC Special Teams Player of the Week award
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman kicker Curt Duncan (Morristown, Tenn.) is the South Atlantic Conference’s Special Teams Player of the Week for the second consecutive week and the third time this season. Duncan is the only three-time player of the week award winner for either the offensive, defensive or special teams awards.

October 20, 2012
Playoff implications persists as Eagles travel to Pembroke, N.C. for battle with Braves
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – When Carson-Newman (4-2, 2-2 SAC) travels to Pembroke, N.C., to face the UNC Pembroke Braves (5-2) it will face a squad that has bested it in the past two meetings. Last year, the Braves won 42-14 on Carson-Newman’s homecoming. Carson-Newman comes off winners of its last two contests, while UNCP stays at home following a 42-20 loss to the University of Charleston (W.Va.).

October 20, 2012
Eagles Blast Braves 31-10
PEMBROKE, N.C – The Carson-Newman Eagles (5-2, 2-2 SAC) used a strong second quarter and a stifling defense to defeat the UNC Pembroke Braves (5-3) by a 31-10 score at Grace P. Johnson Stadium on Saturday afternoon. After trailing early in the second quarter 3-0, the Eagles stormed back with a stretch of 31 unanswered points until the fourth quarter as Carson-Newman has won its last three games.

October 17, 2012
Episode Six of The Ken Sparks Show available online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

October 15, 2012
Duncan hauls in second SAC Special Teams Player of the Week Award
ROCK HILL, S.C. – The first time Curt Duncan brought in hardware as SAC Special Teams Player of the Week, he kicked four field goals and five extra points to tie a school record with 17 points for a kicker against Lenoir-Rhyne.

October 13, 2012
North Greenville invades Burke-Tarr on Ken Sparks Day and homecoming
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (3-2, 2-2 SAC) steps out of conference to face a 1-5 North Greenville team that Eagle head coach Ken Sparks indicates may be prepared to turn the corner. The Eagles and Crusaders kick it off for C-N’s homecoming at 3 p.m. at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

October 13, 2012
Carson-Newman flies by North Greenville on homecoming 52-10
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (4-2, 2-2 SAC) rolled up 501 yards of total offense while the Eagles defense limited North Greenville (1-6) to 267 yards in 52-10 C-N victory on homecoming and Ken Sparks Day in Jefferson City and Jefferson County.

October 11, 2012
Carson-Newman quarterbacks coach published in AFCA Summer Manual
Developing Leadership Qualities in a Quarterback, By David Needs When we evaluate what makes a Quarterback (QB) great we often rank arm strength, foot speed, intelligence, release and other qualities very high on the list of essentials. To me one that is often over looked is leadership.

October 10, 2012
Episode Five of The Ken Sparks Show available online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

October 8, 2012
Jefferson City and Jefferson County mayors proclaim October 13 “Ken Sparks Day”
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Jefferson City, Tenn. mayor Mark Potts and the mayor of Jefferson County Alan Palmieri have declared Oct. 13, 2012 – the day of Carson-Newman’s homecoming – to be “Ken Sparks Day.”

October 6, 2012
Carson-Newman football hits the road for SAC showdown with league leaders in rush defense
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The road back to the win column will not be an easy one for Carson-Newman (2-2, 1-2 SAC). The Eagles take to the road and Salisbury, N.C., for a matchup with the Catawba Indians (3-2, 1-1) – the SAC leaders in rush defense with only 71 yards on the ground given up per game.

October 6, 2012
Eagles rush to 42-7 victory at Catawba
SALISBURY, N.C – The Carson-Newman Eagles (3-2, 2-2 SAC) used a strong ground attack to power ahead to a 42-7 victory over the Catawba Indians (3-3, 1-2 SAC) at Shuford Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles built a 21-0 lead over the Indians early into the second quarter, and after a second quarter Indians touchdown, Carson-Newman outscored Catawba 21-0 in the second half en route to the five-touchdown victory.

October 3, 2012
Episode Four of The Ken Sparks Show available online
The Ken Sparks Show airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30 on 10News2. It's available online and into perpetuity beginning Wednesday afternoons.

September 27, 2012
Wingate awaits Eagle football for Thursday night nationally televised game
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman’s (2-1, 1-1 SAC) quest to rebound from a loss to Newberry will take place before a national television audience on the CBS Sports Network against Wingate (2-2, 1-0 SAC) Thursday at 8:06 p.m. from Burke-Tarr Stadium. Wingate plastered Brevard last week 43-12, while C-N tries to respond to a 47-22 loss in its first road contest at Newberry.

September 27, 2012
Bulldogs trump Eagles 33-24 on national TV
JEFFERSON CITY- For a game that looked like it would be an offensive shoot-out with the way it began, Thursday’s game between the Carson-Newman Eagles and Wingate Bulldogs was decided on a defensive stand on the goal line near the end.

September 23, 2012
Carson-Newman falls to Newberry 47-22
NEWBERRY, S.C – The Carson-Newman Eagles (2-1, 1-1 SAC) fell to the Newberry Wolves (4-0, 2-0 SAC) 47-22 at Setzler Field on Saturday night. The Eagles jumped out to a 12-7 lead in the first quarter, sparked by an 84-yard touchdown run by junior running back Solomon Duanah (Johnson City, Tenn.) on the second play from scrimmage.

September 22, 2012
Carson-Newman football looks to continue winning ways at Newberry
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman football takes to Newberry’s Setzer Field for a contest with the Wolves that could have major Division II playoff implications. The Eagles (2-0) and Wolves (3-0) are the only remaining unbeaten teams in the South Atlantic Conference and Super Region Two.

September 19, 2012
Episode Two of The Ken Sparks Show available online.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Ken Sparks Show is available on YouTube. Watch as the head coach of Carson-Newman's football team Ken Sparks and "Voice of the Eagles" Adam Cavalier break down C-N's 47-23 win over Lenoir-Rhyne.

September 19, 2012
Carson-Newman JV football beats University of the Cumberlands 19-18
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman’s JV football team thwarted a two-point conversion to hold off a late charge by the University of the Cumberlands 19-18 Monday afternoon. Coach Nick Craney furiously called timeout as the Patriots set up for the two-point conversion that could have potentially given the Williamsburg, Ky.-based school the victory.

September 17, 2012
Duncan named SAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman junior kicker Curt Duncan (Morristown, Tenn.) picked up SAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after turning in a 17-point, four field goal performance in a 47-23 win against Lenoir-Rhyne. Duncan’s 17 points are a school record for a Carson-Newman kicker. The junior connected on field goals from 25, 28, 43 and 50 yards and nailed five extra points. The 50-yarder is a career long for Duncan.

September 15, 2012
Eagles take down preseason SAC favorite Lenoir-Rhyne with opportunistic defense, kicking game
JEFFERSON CITY- The Carson-Newman Eagles needed a spark after only one player passed the 100-yard mark in rushing in what is the nation’s most potent ground game in the game against Lenoir-Rhyne Saturday afternoon. That spark came from the foot of Curt Duncan.

September 14, 2012
Preseason SAC favorite Lenoir-Rhyne tangles with Carson-Newman Saturday
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (1-0) football will have had 16 days to prefer for SAC preseason favorite Lenoir-Rhyne (1-1) by the time Saturday rolls around. Eagles head coach Ken Sparks said he hopes that’s enough time to crack the Bears defensive code.

September 11, 2012
Carson-Newman Announces "Kids Day" Saturday
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman Eagles will host “Kids Day” during Saturday’s game between Carson-Newman and Lenoir-Rhyne at Burke-Tarr Stadium at 1 p.m. Many activities are planned for children at the game, and any child 13 years of age or under will receive free admission to the game.

September 4, 2012
Baker earns SAC Offensive Player of the Week honors
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman junior running back Brandon Baker (Miami, Fla.) picked up SAC Offensive Player of the Week honors after turning in a 17 carry, 219 yard, three touchdown performance Thursday night versus Glenville State. Baker’s 219 yards rushing were the third most in Division II in week one.

August 30, 2012
Ken Sparks wins 300th career game, C-N moves to 1-0 for 2012.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Much like the previous 299 victories in his career, win number 300 for Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks came with a punishing ground game. Carson-Newman churned up 474 yards on the ground and held off a late Glenville State rally to win 56-46 at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

August 29, 2012
Eagles look to begin 2012 season with milestone for Sparks
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The 2012 season of Carson-Newman football begins with an opportunity for the Eagles to collect a historic milestone for their head coach. Coach Ken Sparks, now in his 33rd season at Mossy Creek, is one win away from 300 career victories, 11th most in college football history.

August 22, 2012
White squeezes Orange 34-7 in C-N Football scrimmage
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Three different running backs for the White team made their way to the end zone in a 34-7 inter-squad scrimmage for Carson-Newman football Wednesday evening at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

August 21, 2012
Gear up for game one with Carson-Newman football pep rally
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Eagle fans can get pumped up for Carson-Newman football’s opening game by attending a pep rally for the Eagles, August 29 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

August 15, 2012
Duanah dances way to end zone three times in scrimmage
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – A Carson-Newman backfield got a little bit more crowded after a senior tailback’s performance in an Orange and Blue scrimmage Wednesday. Solomon Duanah (Johnson City, Tenn.) burst across the goal line and onto the blue turf of Burke-Tarr stadium’s end zones three times – once through the air and twice on the ground – as the leading offensive performer in the scrimmage.

August 14, 2012
Carson-Newman football: preseason report, week one
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – As 176 players clad in orange and white jerseys scooted around the practice field adjacent to Burke-Tarr stadium, Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks stood near mid-field observing several unfamiliar faces trying to move up on the depth chart.

August 10, 2012
Carson-Newman Football preseason practice schedule released
JEFFERSON CITY, TENN. - Get in gear for football season by seeing the Eagles practice. Practices are either at Burke-Tarr Stadium or the practice field ajacent to the Ken Sparks Athletic Conference and McCown Field. Fans should remain in the stands or on the walkways.

August 7, 2012
Carson-Newman football players reach out to Virginia Beach community, train with Navy SEALs
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Navy SEALs motto reads “The only easy day was yesterday.” Carson-Newman football players experienced several intense, but meaningful days over the weekend – performing community service in the Virginia Beach area and training with the U.S. Navy SEALs.

August 7, 2012
Carson-Newman football lands eight on preseason all-conference teams
JEFFERSON CITY, TENN. – Carson-Newman football has the second highest number of first and second team preseason All-SAC selections, the league office announced Tuesday. The Eagles landed three first-team performers on offense while placing two on the second team offense and three on the second team defense.

August 6, 2012
SAC Coaches tab Eagle Football fifth in preseason poll
ROCK HILL, S.C. – South Atlantic Conference football coaches picked Carson-Newman to finish 2012 in the same place it finished 2011 – in fifth place in the SAC standings. The standings were released Monday by the conference office.

July 30, 2012
Ken Sparks to coach entirety of 2012 football season, undergo radiation therapy following season
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.

July 25, 2012
Carson-Newman football looks to get back on winning track with 2012 campaign
Two Thursday night showdowns, a national television appearance and a head coach’s potential 300th win highlight Carson-Newman’s first month of the 2012 season.

July 17, 2012
Football Coach Ken Sparks Ready for Treatment Protocol following Cancer Diagnosis
Carson-Newman College’s Ken Sparks is recovering following a diagnosis of and surgery for prostate cancer. He has divided the last three weeks since surgery between rest, periodic stints at his office and consulting physicians.