Athletics Hall of Fame

2005 Football Team

The 2005 Pikeville College football team made history as the first team to make the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) playoffs. Led by quarterback Chip English and running back Calvin Joplin, the Bears used a high-scoring offense and defense that lived in opposing backfields to wear teams down. Pikeville finished with a 7-2 regular season record, with the only two losses coming against two top-10 opponents by a combined three points.

From left to right: Parents of Vance Cooksey, Jeff Jones, Krista Kouns, Tracy Miller, Anson Cunningham and Joshua "Scotty" Samarco.

Vance Cooksey ’11 - BASKETBALL

A member of the 2011 NAIA National Championship team, Vance Cooksey proved himself as one of the best point guards to ever play at Pikeville. He was an NAIA All-American selection in 2011, and was in the top two in the Mid-South Conference (MSC) in points per game (18.7), assists per game (5.1) and steals per game (2.2). In addition to the national title, he also led the 2011 team to a then-program record 30-win season. He later went on to play professionally in the NBA D-League and multiple spots overseas.

Anson Cunningham ’12 - FOOTBALL

Anson Cunningham had an illustrious four years at Pikeville from 2007-2010, ending up tied for second in career tackles with 273. He was an All MidSouth Conference selection his senior season and was a three-time defensive Player of the Week. Cunningham arguably had his best game as a sophomore when he had 16 total tackles against Campbellsville.

Jeff Jones ’97 - BASEBALL

Jeff Jones was one of the most feared offensive players in his time at Pikeville College. He was a two-time First Team All-KIAC member in 1996 and 1997 and was also named to the NAIA AllRegion team both years. Jones played multiple positions on the field and was the only KIAC player to finish in the top ten of every offensive category in 1996.

Krista Kouns ’09 - SOFTBALL

Krista Kouns was a four-year starter at Pikeville College, splitting time between shortstop and third base. She earned All-MSC honors each of her four years, including First Team All-Conference honors her final three. Kouns was a force on offense, and surehanded on defense. She was in the top ten of the conference in batting average three out of four years and finished her career with 120 RBIs.

Tracy Miller ’06 - BOWLING

A member of the 2004 USBC Intercollegiate National Championship Team, Tracy Miller was an NCBCA AllAmerican her senior season and was the programʼs fourth All-American in its then infancy. Across her career, she had six top-five individual finishes and averaged a score of 186.

Joshua “Scotty” Samarco ’10 - BASKETBALL

Joshua “Scotty” Samarco was a force in his two years at Pikeville College, including putting together one of the best individual seasons ever in 2008- 09. Samarco was named an NAIA All-American in 2009 after scoring an MSC-leading 20.4 points per game, while shooting 47.8 percent from three and 88.7 percent from the free-throw stripe. He had one of the most memorable individual games in program history when he scored 41 points to upset rival Georgetown at home.

Inductees were honored at the Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony during UPIKE’s Homecoming Week. Honorary inductees Brad Marcum, Kenny Schmidt and Chris Smith were also recognized.