BY JAMI YOUNG
KCU transfers discuss changes of life since switching to the University of Pikeville
Will Thompson-Outside Linebacker
What has been the biggest challenge for you while switching schools?
“One of the biggest changes for me since coming to school is coming here and learning each player, and what they do on and off the field. Coming here to campus and learning about which building is what.”
What is your position, and could you talk a little bit about that position?
“I play outside linebacker since I was a junior in high school. I’ve played this position in college. I’m successful in this position now because of the defensive coordinator, Coach Elliot, who designed and worked with the defense. Coach Elliot is now the assistant coach at UPIKE.”
Where do you see yourself and the team going this year?
“With me knowing the scheme of the defense, I see myself as being a leader in the defensive side. A lot of teams do not know what they are getting themselves in to with us and I think we will be very successful this year as a team.”
Amari Matthews-wide receiver
What position you play and how successful are you within this position?
“I play wide receiver. A lot of the success I have in this position is from other receivers around me and my teammates pushing me to be better. I am also successful due to my receiver coach, Coach Aquila, and Coach Fipps being the head coach has supported my success. The reason I am successful is mainly due to the people that’s around me.”
Can you discuss how you’re impacting the team even though you are ineligible?
(Amari Matthews transferred from a NAIA school to another NAIA school. When a player does this they must sit out a year per NAIA rules )
“Coming to UPIKE was a big decision for me. Coach Fipps was very transparent about me being a transfer and keeping me knowledgeable about me being ineligible for a year. I knew I wanted to work with this coaching staff. I know I’m right where I needed to be and right where I wanted to be.”
How did you factor in your decision to transfer from KCU to UPIKE?
“Transferring in was a hard decision. The coaches gave me the opportunity. The team has welcomed me and made me feel like one of the guys. It’s a wonderful group. I feel like we are very productive, and everything is looking positive for the upcoming season.”
What are the positives of the team?
“The team works as a group of brothers. That is true for offense and defense. Once again, I feel it says a lot whenever a team opens their arms for a guy who just transferred in. For them to accept me as well as they have its truly a blessing for me.”
What is preparing you all for the season?
“The strength and conditioning coach are preparing us hard, and we have gone hard all of camp. I am absolutely blessed to be here and can’t wait to see what the future holds for UPIKE football.”