Steve Wells is beginning his third season as the Gorillas’ offensive line coach after joining the Pitt State staff on Jan. 10, 2008. Wells returned to campus in 2008 after a three-year absence. The Riverton, Kan., native served as a graduate assistant offensive line coach from 2002-04, after enjoying a decorated playing career for the Gorillas from 1997-2001. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Wells served as offensive line coach at Joplin (Mo.) High School for three years. As a player, he earned third-team NCAA-II All-America and first-team All-MIAA honors as an offensive lineman as a senior for the Gorillas in 2001, helping Pitt State to an MIAA title, an 11-2 record and an NCAA-II national quarterfinalist finish. Wells enjoyed a six-year playing career, redshirting in his initial season at Pitt State in 1996 and exercising a medical redshirt in 1997. Steve, and his wife Kindyl, have a daughter, Elizabeth, 3, and a son, Slate, 1.
1. What does being a Pitt State Gorilla mean to you?
Being raised in Southeast Kansas and brought up with Midwest morals and then becoming a Pitt State Gorilla, there is one word that best describes being a Gorilla, “Family.” The saying, “Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla” means so much more than a lot of outsiders think.
2. It’s obvious that PSU has a special place in your heart, having played here and now serving as an assistant coach at your alma mater. What makes Pittsburg State such a special place for a student-athlete? A coach?
As a student-athlete, I was able to develop unbelievable relationships with people all across campus. I cannot say enough about the many former instructors I had as a student-athlete who had such a positive influence on my life.
I owe so much to this program, the University, the community of Pittsburg, so now as a coach I see it as an opportunity to give something back to those who I owe so much to.
3. Having lived in other areas where the support for an athletic program may not be like it is here in Pittsburg, what would you say is your favorite thing about the town?
The amount of pride in which this community has for this program and University. There is no better place in America than at Carnie Smith Stadium on a Saturday afternoon in the fall. One of my favorite things to do is to drive by the stadium’s parking lot after our pre-game meal is finished. You roll down your windows and you see all the fans, listen to the music and smell all the cookers.
4. Can you tell us about a memorable experience or moment with a community member (or other non-football related person) that had a special impact on you while you were in school here?
It was all the opportunities you had to interact with the youth in the community. Whether it was the YMCA clinics, visits to classrooms, or on game day, those experiences with the young fans are the things I will always remember.
5. What is something about the school that has changed since when you played here? Do you think it’s a good thing? Are there any other major changes that particularly stick out in your mind?
The constant evolution of the University drives the school towards student success. Just take a walk around campus and you’ll see all the changes and development. Everything on campus is geared toward the students.
6. Pitt State has always had enormous success in the running game, due largely in part to some of its great Offensive Lines. Were there ever goals that you guys had for yourselves on the Line or any special rituals or traditions that you remember?
When you look at the history of Pittsburg State Football, the teams that have been successful have always started with a great Offensive Line. The Offensive Line must take on the responsibilities of being the hardest workers, being the leaders, setting the examples for all teammates on and off the field. One special ritual that the offensive linemen have, and it includes the defensive linemen, is their pre-game stretching routine outside the stadium in Gorilla Village.
7. What has it felt like to come back and coach for the program that you poured so much of yourself into as a player? Has it ever been challenging? If so, in what way?
There is no other place I would rather be than here at Pittsburg State. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity. As far as challenges, there are always challenges. It’s those challenges that drive you to be better.
8. You experienced many great years of playing and coaching under Coach Broyles and have experienced first-hand the proud tradition of Pitt State Football. Having just barely begun your time under Coach Beck, what are some things as a staff that you have specifically acknowledged as very important aspects of the program?
First, I would like to thank Coach Broyles. He played a vital role in my development as a player and in my coaching career. As a member of the coaching staff, I believe we as a program need to reestablish the tradition that there will not be a team as mentally or as physically tough as the Gorillas. This is something that will not happen overnight. It is going to take time, dedication and growth within our program. Not only do we have to do it within ourselves, but we are going to have to earn it back within our conference and the rest of the country.
9. Without a doubt you have memories of many of your teammates. Can you think of a couple on-field memories of any of them that you’ll never forget?
One that I will always remember was in 2001. We were playing at Missouri Western and we had lost in both of our two previous trips there. Late in the fourth quarter, all we needed to do was get one more first down to run out the clock and it was third and two. In the huddle, Neal Philpot (who was just starting his fourth game as a freshman) called 12 veer and then looked at Jesse Owens (probably the toughest player on the field) and said, “If you fumble, I’m going to kick your —!” At that point, everyone else in the huddle just froze and looked at each other wide-eyed. From that moment on, it was Neal Philpot’s huddle. He wasn’t looked upon as a freshman anymore.
10. Lastly, if you can think of just one, what was your single favorite moment while playing at PSU?
The moments after the game on Saturday afternoons. Those moments in the locker room with teammates and coaches, and those outside the stadium with family and friends. I was very fortunate to experience the joys of winning a lot more than the agonies of defeat. “Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla.”
Great article. Shane was like a brother to me when I was in college. My parents, Ken and Marilyn Bishop would love to read this article. Shane still comes by and visits them when in town. Great person.