The name “Ken Sparks” wasn’t unfamiliar to Rick Barnes when he took over the Tennessee basketball program.
“Everyone that has kept up with athletics knows the name ‘Ken Sparks’,” explained Barnes.
Barnes has been in Knoxville less than a year, but it didn’t take him long to reach out to the legendary coach in Mossy Creek.
"When I got here, I knew at some point in time I really wanted to go and meet him,” explained Barnes. “I really enjoy having a chance to sit down with people that have been successful in a lot of different areas."
Ken Sparks invited Barnes up to Jefferson City for lunch. They talked for over two hours.
"[His] first question to me is ‘how do you motivate kids the right way?’ It didn't take me long to know that he and I were on the same page in that direction," said Sparks.
"I was so impressed with the way he goes about doing things and the way you could sense his love for his players," explained Barnes.
Barnes and Sparks share similar opinions on coaching and their faith.
“[Sparks] understands winning football games in one thing, but the real wins are the wins in life and the people that you are really able to talk Jesus Christ with,” said Barnes.
Barnes will speak at Carson-Newman’s football coaching clinic March 4-6. Sparks isn’t worried about Barnes coaching a different sport. He’s focused on the message.
"He's just so humble in the way he goes about everything,” said Barnes. “I hope he realizes and knows that the team he's really playing for is a team I truly want to be a part of."
The Carson-Newman coaching clinic is March 4-6 in Pigeon Forge. The cost is $40 per couple (coach and wife).