Passing the Whistle

Sometimes YOU. Sometimes ME. Always US.

by Stacey Walters

After 14 seasons at the helm of the UPIKE Bears basketball program, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kelly Wells stepped aside to continue his focus on the role of athletic director (AD) for the university.

In what he called, “One of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,” Wells passed his whistle to Assistant Coach Tigh Compton with confidence that he will sustain the success of the program.

Wells was the longest-tenured men’s basketball coach at both Pikeville College and UPIKE, leaving behind a legacy as one of the university’s most successful basketball coaches with the Bears.

Wells finished his head coaching career as the all-time career wins leader at UPIKE with 328 total wins. He has had 20-win seasons in 12 of the last 13 years, two 30-win seasons, most wins in a season at 31, most wins in MSC with 17, advanced eight times to the NAIA National Tournament, and was named NAIA National Coach of the Year 2011 and two-time MidSouth Conference (MSC) Coach of the Year. In addition to winning the NAIA National Championship, his teams made two NAIA Elite Eight appearances. He has produced 24 NAIA All-Americans, two NAIA Players of the Year, 34 All-MSC selections, four MSC Players of the Year and one MSC Freshman of the Year, and 24 of Pikeville’s 29 All-Americans played during his tenure.

However, even on his way out, the winningest coach in UPIKE history gave his players one last lesson, speaking openly and transparently about his love for the game and profession.

“I feel like we are always learning lessons from each other, and that will never end,” said Wells. “I will be able to share those lessons with more people as the AD and have more opportunities to support and mentor all our teams and coaches on campus.”

Wells completed two years serving the dual role of athletic director and head men’s basketball coach and transitioned exclusively into the AD role on April 1.

Wells, his wife Shawne and two children, Kaylee and Mason, have been residents of Pikeville for 14 years and continue to be supporters of the community.

Wells’ lessons about commitment, perseverance and hope will always be remembered as “Nothing great comes without effort.”

A new chapter begins with UPIKE alumnus Tigh Compton ’11, who served as an assistant coach for a total of 11 years from the 2009-2010 season to the 2019-2020 season.

“I am extremely blessed and humbled to be chosen for this position,” said Compton. “Coach Wells has built one of the best NAIA basketball programs in the country and, while I realize we have big shoes to fill, we are very excited to have this opportunity.”

Compton plans to take the program to new heights while continuing to build relationships with his players and staff from a new perspective.

“I hope that we continue to be successful in finding ways to develop the young men in our program both on and off the floor to better prepare them for their professional lives,” said Compton. “Some people believe that instead of wins and losses, there are wins and learning opportunities through a loss. We always want to learn through our wins!”

Compton and his wife, Lisa ’12, are a part of the social fabric of the university. They are excited to step into a more significant role as a family and have the opportunity to impact the student-athletes and the UPIKE community positively.

“The ability to share our love for UPIKE and be a positive example for our campus community is not something that we will take lightly,” said Compton. “Pikeville is a place that is near and dear to our hearts and UPIKE is at the center of those feelings. We can’t wait to lead and serve in any way possible.”

Compton plans to carry forward the motto for the UPIKE men’s basketball program that it will always be about the team, finding their success and the sacrifices made to give the team the best chance to win.

“Sometimes YOU. Sometimes ME. Always US.”