JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - A new scholarship honoring former Carson-Newman head football coach/director of athletics Ron Case and his wife Joan has been created at Carson-Newman University.

Case's journey to and beyond the banks of Mossy Creek is extraordinary and an inspiration to many of those he served and coached. And that was their inspiration in creating this scholarship.

Case was not the typical undergraduate when he entered Carson-Newman in the late 1960s. At 31, Case was more than 10 years older than some of his freshman classmates. But age was not the only difference. He came to Mossy Creek after serving his country for 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including combat service in Vietnam.

Making up for time, Case earned his undergraduate degree at Carson-Newman and his master's down the road in Knoxville in just four years. While a full-time student pursuing dual degrees, he also served as defensive coordinator for the Eagles football program.

Upon receiving his diploma, Case's coaching career took many turns and impacted student-athletes from across the country. He served as head football coach at Knox Fulton High School and returned to Carson-Newman as head coach and athletic director in 1978 and '79. He served as an assistant coach at: Maryville College, West Texas State, the University of Richmond, the University of Mississippi, Vanderbilt University, Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama. Case also spent five years on the staff at the University of North Carolina with Carson-Newman alum Carl Torbush.

Through all the years, the hard work, long hours and moving homes, Joan was at coach Case's side. It is to honor her role as well in the impact made on so many student-athletes, and the Christ-walk they have modeled in following God's path for their lives. For that reason, the scholarship, designed to provide financial aid to student-athletes at Carson-Newman, is named for both Ron and Joan.

Those who want to contribute to the Ron and Joan Case Endowed Scholarship and support student-athletes for decades to come, may click here, or call the Carson-Newman Office for Advancement at 865-471-3459.