Step into the heart of Kentucky Wesleyan College’s athletic legacy with broadcaster Joel Utley (61-year “Voice of the Panthers”) and sports information director Roy Pickerill (55+ years shaping KWC’s identity).
George Tinsley Sr. reunites with these living archives to relive iconic moments, from the ’18-second miracle’ that saved their 1966 championship run to Sam Smith’s title-winning hook shot.
They share behind-the-scenes gems: bus trips without AC, Coach Strong’s iron will, the gold watch era, and the Quonset hut battles that forged championship teams. Through laughter and nostalgia, Joel and Roy reveal why they “never worked a day in their lives” serving a college they call home.
Beyond the 8 national titles and Hall of Fame inductions, this conversation celebrates Kentucky Wesleyan’s unmatched camaraderie. Joel and Roy unpack how small-college bonds—like George’s class graduating all six players on time—created a “championship tradition” (not just a “winning” one).
They honor mentors like Coach Strong who unified players amid 1960s racial tensions and reflect on KWC’s enduring magic: where stats wizards like Roy preserved legacies, broadcasters like Joel turned passion into history, and teammates became family.
George Tinsley Sr.
A former ABA player and two-time college All-American, Tinsley is in nine Halls of Fame. He resides in Winter Haven, Florida, with his wife of over fifty years, Seretha.
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