Pikeville hires volleyball and dance coach, offensive coordinator
February 5, 2010
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – It’s been a busy time around the Pikeville College athletics offices, with three new hires in the last week.
The initial opening came when Robert Staggs stepped down as volleyball coach. Since being promoted to athletics director last January, Staggs has been performing triple duties, including that of softball coach.
“I just felt it was time,” said Staggs, the all-time winningest volleyball coach. “I felt like the girls deserved someone who could focus more on them, and we feel as if we’ve brought the right person back into the fold to do that.”
Anna Bevins, who is among the leaders is multiple career and season categories from her incredible playing career under Staggs, has accepted the position. She will become only the third coach in Pikeville College volleyball history, behind Staggs and founding coach Missy Gragg.
“I’m very humbled by this opportunity,” said Bevins, who coached Belfry High School to a 24-5 record in her only season at her alma mater. “I had no idea what Coach Staggs wanted when he called. I’m excited about getting started and building on what we’ve already done in the volleyball program at Pikeville College.”
Last season under Bevins’ guidance, the Lady Pirates won the 56th District championship and reached the 15th Region semifinals.
Pikeville football also has filled its vacancy with the hiring of Allan Holland Jr. as the new offensive coordinator. Holland was a three-sport star at Perry County Central High School in Hazard before playing college football at Wake Forest University and Eastern Kentucky University.
Holland was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Colonels, leading them to consecutive OVC championships in 2007 and 2008. He was the OVC player of the year in 2007.
“Allan brings a tremendous knowledge of aggressive offensive football to our staff,” said Coach Joe Johnson, who will be in his second season at the helm of the Bears when the season begins this fall. “He’s young and can relate to the players but also has the credentials to demand their attention and respect. We look forward to success with Allan and the enthusiasm he’ll bring to our family.”
Holland was pleased with the hire and a return home. “I’m really thankful for this opportunity to get back in the mountains where it all began for me,” Holland said. “I’m excited but to start recruiting players, giving them the opportunity to play on this level. We’re looking forward to helping bring this program back in the national hunt.”
Pikeville College has also brought back a dance team with the hire of Phelps native Devin Stiltner Layne. “We’re excited about another opportunity for the student-athletes of our area,” said Staggs. “We have some talented young people in our area and we’re looking forward to continuing to meet areas of interest in diverse opportunities.”
Layne is a teacher at Phelps where she lives with her husband Steve and children Steven Todd and Ivy. Devin attended the U.Va.-Wise where she received a Bachelors’ Degree in English Education and Special Education. She played basketball at Wise until receiving a career ending injury. At Phelps High School, Devin played basketball, softball, volley ball, ran cross-country and cheered.
“I’m very thankful for the chance Pikeville College has given me here and will work hard to not disappoint them,” Layne said. “I love dance and feel good about what we’ve done at Phelps and look forward to building on that at the college.”
Layne started the dance team at Phelps, which is a well-decorated squad that has gained many state and national honors.
PC
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – It’s been a busy time around the Pikeville College athletics offices, with three new hires in the last week.
The initial opening came when Robert Staggs stepped down as volleyball coach. Since being promoted to athletics director last January, Staggs has been performing triple duties, including that of softball coach.
“I just felt it was time,” said Staggs, the all-time winningest volleyball coach. “I felt like the girls deserved someone who could focus more on them, and we feel as if we’ve brought the right person back into the fold to do that.”
Anna Bevins, who is among the leaders is multiple career and season categories from her incredible playing career under Staggs, has accepted the position. She will become only the third coach in Pikeville College volleyball history, behind Staggs and founding coach Missy Gragg.
“I’m very humbled by this opportunity,” said Bevins, who coached Belfry High School to a 24-5 record in her only season at her alma mater. “I had no idea what Coach Staggs wanted when he called. I’m excited about getting started and building on what we’ve already done in the volleyball program at Pikeville College.”
Last season under Bevins’ guidance, the Lady Pirates won the 56th District championship and reached the 15th Region semifinals.
Pikeville football also has filled its vacancy with the hiring of Allan Holland Jr. as the new offensive coordinator. Holland was a three-sport star at Perry County Central High School in Hazard before playing college football at Wake Forest University and Eastern Kentucky University.
Holland was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Colonels, leading them to consecutive OVC championships in 2007 and 2008. He was the OVC player of the year in 2007.
“Allan brings a tremendous knowledge of aggressive offensive football to our staff,” said Coach Joe Johnson, who will be in his second season at the helm of the Bears when the season begins this fall. “He’s young and can relate to the players but also has the credentials to demand their attention and respect. We look forward to success with Allan and the enthusiasm he’ll bring to our family.”
Holland was pleased with the hire and a return home. “I’m really thankful for this opportunity to get back in the mountains where it all began for me,” Holland said. “I’m excited but to start recruiting players, giving them the opportunity to play on this level. We’re looking forward to helping bring this program back in the national hunt.”
Pikeville College has also brought back a dance team with the hire of Phelps native Devin Stiltner Layne. “We’re excited about another opportunity for the student-athletes of our area,” said Staggs. “We have some talented young people in our area and we’re looking forward to continuing to meet areas of interest in diverse opportunities.”
Layne is a teacher at Phelps where she lives with her husband Steve and children Steven Todd and Ivy. Devin attended the U.Va.-Wise where she received a Bachelors’ Degree in English Education and Special Education. She played basketball at Wise until receiving a career ending injury. At Phelps High School, Devin played basketball, softball, volley ball, ran cross-country and cheered.
“I’m very thankful for the chance Pikeville College has given me here and will work hard to not disappoint them,” Layne said. “I love dance and feel good about what we’ve done at Phelps and look forward to building on that at the college.”
Layne started the dance team at Phelps, which is a well-decorated squad that has gained many state and national honors.
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