Athletics News

By Katie Ray '24

Corey Fipps Named UPIKE Athletic Director

After a nationwide search, the University of Pikeville appointed Head Football Coach Corey Fipps as its new athletic director. His promotion to this esteemed position is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to students’ success. Fipps brings a wealth of experience and a demonstrated history of success, ready to make a substantial contribution in his new position.

Fipps joined UPIKE in 2021 following a successful fourseason stint as the head football coach at Kentucky Christian University. During his tenure, he orchestrated two of the most remarkable seasons in the Knights’ program history. His journey through the ranks of college football began at his alma mater, NCAA Division II Harding University, where he not only excelled as an offensive tackle but also earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and kinesiology, laying a solid foundation for his multifaceted career in athletics. Under his leadership, the Bears football team achieved a standout 7-3 season and an impressive 5-1 record in their inaugural year in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Fipps’ influence extends far beyond the field, evident in his commitment to community service, which resulted in the team collectively dedicating more than 3,500 hours this year. This underscores his belief in making a meaningful impact beyond the boundaries of athletics, enriching lives and nurturing positive change in the broader community.

In his new role as athletic director, he will provide comprehensive oversight of UPIKE’s athletic programs, drawing upon his extensive experience and proven leadership to guide the Bears toward continued success. The university community holds great confidence in his ability to build upon the strong foundation laid before him and to usher UPIKE athletics into a new era of excellence. Despite his expanded responsibilities, Fipps will continue to serve as UPIKE’s head football coach.

“As I step into the role of athletic director, I am humbled and excited to serve our student-athletes, coaches and the community. I look forward to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity and growth within our athletic programs,” said Fipps. “Each day, I am inspired by the resilience and dedication of our student-athletes. It’s truly an honor to work alongside such incredible young individuals. Let’s elevate UPIKE athletics to new heights and create lasting legacies on and off the field.”

A Journey Across the Continents

University of Pikeville Cross Country Coach John Biery ’88 has recently bolstered his team’s ranks by recruiting six talented students from Kenya. With more than two decades of coaching experience at the university, he brings a seasoned approach to his recruitment strategy. When scouting talent internationally, Biery prioritizes academic excellence, athletic prowess and the compatibility of personalities within the team dynamic.

“It’s been a three-year journey to bring these athletes on board, which speaks volumes about their dedication, determination and desire,” said Biery. “We strive to cultivate a nurturing and inclusive team atmosphere that values diversity and cherishes the individual backgrounds of all our athletes. While I consider everyone on the team family, we embrace each other’s differences. The team enjoys competition and admires talent, wherever it may come from, be it the mountains of Elliott County or the plains of Kenya.”

Freshmen Sheila Maiyo and Kelvin Kurgat, natives of Eldoret, Kenya, are pursuing their aspirations in the field of nursing with determination and enthusiasm.

“My motivation to come to UPIKE stems from a deep desire for academic excellence and athletic growth. The opportunity to experience a new climate, including snow

for the first time, inspires me to embrace change and expand my horizons,” said Maiyo. “Being part of the cross country team not only enhances my athletic skills but also teaches me valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance and resilience. I believe that my journey as a studentathlete at UPIKE will contribute to my personal and professional growth and prepare me to positively impact the healthcare field and my community in the future.”

They value the structured training regimen indoors and outdoors, as it ensures consistency and commitment to their craft.

“Since childhood, I have been interested in running. Transitioning from Kenya to the USA has been one of my greatest achievements because I was thirsty to understand the world outside the confines of my otherwise simple, comfortable and incredibly joyful upbringing,” said Kurgat. “I am grateful to be part of this team of strong, talented, smart and ambitious young people.”

The addition of these students has set a new standard for the team’s athletic performance, raising the bar for their teammates to pursue excellence and driving the group to achieve higher standings within their conference.

My overarching goal is to see them excel on the national stage. But above all, I aspire for these athletes to earn their degrees, return home and contribute positively to their communities, making better places for their families