According to Central’s assistant coach Drew Harris, men’s basketball’s head coach Greg Sparling suffered a severe ankle injury outside his home this past Saturday Jan. 2.

Harris and the team did not find out about his injury until their first shoot-around before their home game against Concordia University that same day. Sparling was heading to Nicholson Pavilion when the accident occurred.

“There was really bad ice outside of his house,” Harris said. “He ended up slipping on that…and ended up breaking it, and had some damage to his ligaments.”

According to Harris, Sparling underwent surgery this Monday to repair his torn ligaments. Sparling stayed one night in the hospital and is on a one week bed rest. Harris says the “surgery went well.”

Since Sparling has been out Harris has stepped into the role of head coach and has led the team to two victories. Despite being the head assistant coach since the 2012 season, Harris still had a learning curve after taking on the leading role.

“Obviously you got to get on the referees a little bit more and take command of the huddle,” Harris said.

Sparling has been texting his players frequently since his accident. Giving them words of encouragement.

“He’s been encouraging, saying good game and ‘keep the car rollin’ as he always says,’” senior guard Joey Roppo said.

The team still doesn’t know what the exact time frame is for Sparling. According to Harris he could be back next week or the week after.