Liberty coach leaving for Springfield Kickapoo

By Dion Clisso PrepsKC Managing Editor
Posted: February 4, 2011 - 9:32 PM



Add Liberty to the list of Metro schools looking for a new head coach. Joel Wells is leaving Liberty to take the head coach position at Springfield Kickapoo.

 

The new position takes Wells back to Southwest Missouri where he and his wife are originally from. Wells came to Liberty in 2008 after very successful tenures at Cassville and Nixa.

 

Wells said it was a tough decision to leave Liberty but the Kickapoo job gave him a chance to be closer to his family.

 

“We’ve enjoyed it here, but that area is home for us and it just felt like the time to do it.” Wells said.

 

Wells was 18-13 in three years with the Blue Jays including a trip to the Class 6 playoffs in 2009. His career record now stands at 131-79 in 20 years as a head coach. Kickapoo has struggled in recent years including a 4-6 season last year. The Chiefs haven’t had a winning season since going 8-2 in 2005.

 

“It’s been a tradition rich athletic school for a long time but they’ve struggled a little in football the last few years.” Wells said.

 

The administration at Kickapoo is excited to have a coach with Wells experience taking over the program.

 

“He (Wells) is recognized by his peers as one of the most respected football coaches in Missouri,” Mark Fisher, Springfield School District athletic director told KY3 television station in Springfield. “Joel's teams reflect his passion for the game and his desire to help them reach their fullest potential.”

 

Wells said he enjoyed his time at Liberty and was happy he had the chance to coach in the Metro.

 

“We had a great experience here at Liberty they’ve been really good to us and I don’t have any regrets,” Wells said. “It was great to have the opportunity to coach in the league (Suburban Big Six) and I think it is the best league in the state of Missouri. Having the opportunity to coach in some of those games has made me a better coach.

 

“We’ve had great players here too. Not just good players but real good kids and obviously those are fond memories.”