College Dedicates New Athletic Complex

Buildings are popping up all over Carson-Newman's campus these past few years, and its newest one is up and running. With the final approval from President Randall O'Brien, board member Bobby Tuck handed off the keys to him at the home opener game versus North Alabama University.The Ken Sparks Athletic Complex lies just behind the south touch-down zone of the Burke-Tarr Stadium, taking up 36,000 square feet of space. Fully accommodating the football team, the complex finally provides enough space and resources for a team of this vast size.

"I appreciate that somebody wanted to do that, and I am grateful; but this is not about honoring me," said Sparks. "There are a hundred people whose name should be there; not mine. My main concern is that it honors the Lord."

Walking into the front entrance, two flat screen televisions greet each athlete and coach with remnants of a previous C-N or the latest news from sportscenter.

Just down the hall, athletes can take advantage of what the new training facilities have to offer, whether they need the hot and cold whirl pools after a hard practice or go for a run in the treadmill pool.

10,000 squares of those 36,000 feet make up the all encompassing weight room outfitted by Knoxville's Legend Fitness, putting other facilities to shame.

Not only does the complex boast of a locker room enough for 200 athletes the complex also provides laundry facilities and new team meeting rooms.

Upstairs each football coach retreats to their own office where they have all necessary resources to fully prepare for the next game and even get a bite to eat in the complex's kitchen.

Above all Head Coach Ken Sparks still bashful about the chosen title of the complex only expresses gratitude towards the generous donors and the hard work of his student athletes.

At the front of the Ken Sparks Athletic Complex stands the holy cross with a fountain flowing through remembering God's mercy and the gifts he bears among his people.

"We know that this is not about C-N football. This gift is about God's grace, mercy, abundance and love. It is about keeping Him the focus, and knowing that with such focus comes all things," said Sparks.