The Legendary Journey of Coach Wes Holly
Published 11:05 am Friday, March 14, 2025
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Photo Contributed Wes Holly being inducted by Duard Walker in the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame.
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By C.Y. Peters
Star Correspondent
Wes Holly’s story is one of dedication, perseverance and an undying love for the game. From his humble beginnings in the Hunter community to becoming one of the most successful coaches in NAIA history, Holly’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Carter County and beyond.
Early Years: A Natural Athlete
Wes Holly began playing sports at an early age in the Hunter community. He first gained recognition playing for the Hunter Tigers in grade school before moving on to Unaka High School. His athletic expertise was evident as he excelled in baseball, basketball and softball.
In 1958, Holly played baseball for the Boys Club under coaches Joe Bowling and Bob Stanton, teaming up with talented players like Richard Tetrick and Joe and Tommy Jenkins. His team remained undefeated while competing against baseball greats like Dick Ryan, Willie Malone and Cotton Nave. Interestingly, in later years, Holly and Malone would join forces to play fast-pitch softball.
One of his most memorable early performances came when Joey Blackburn pitched a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts, with Holly as his catcher. Holly also showcased his pitching talent in a remarkable victory over Kingsport, a traditional powerhouse, allowing only one hit. Richard Ensor led the team in hitting during that game.
Elementary and High School Stardom
Holly’s basketball team at Hunter, coached by Robert Hardin, finished an impressive 30-1 season, winning the regional title. In the opening game of regional play against Temple Hill, Holly contributed 16 points to the victory.
By 1963, Holly was making waves in baseball as well, earning Player of the Year honors in the Colt League while playing for Fred Davis alongside Jerry Weaver and Terry Emmert.
At Unaka High School, Holly made an immediate impact. As a sophomore, he scored 12 points in the opening game against Sulphur Springs, securing the Rangers’ first win of the season. That year, he tallied 154 total points. In baseball, Holly played a crucial role in securing a championship victory over Jonesborough by scoring the tie-breaking run in a thrilling 4-3 win. He also demonstrated his power-hitting ability, smashing a home run and a triple in a game against Boones Creek.
In May 1966, Holly led the Watauga Conference in hitting with a .548 batting average, narrowly surpassing teammate David Peters at .536 midway through the season.
A Storied Career in Fast-Pitch Softball
By 1968, Holly had transitioned into fast-pitch softball, competing in the state tournament with teammates Joe Colbaugh, Sam Bradshaw and Ken Hardin under the guidance of coach Tom Oxendine, representing Dino’s Restaurant. The following year, he returned to the state tournament, this time playing for the Carter County Bankers alongside Shag Cole, Ronnie Taylor and Jerry Shankles. That same year, Holly also won the city basketball tournament and was honored at a banquet for his achievements.
Throughout the 1970s, Holly continued to dominate the fast-pitch circuit, teaming up with legends like Scotty Bunton and Jarfly Dugger, capturing multiple championships and tournament victories.
The Coaching Legend at Milligan University
Holly’s coaching career began at Tusculum College from 1983 to 1987, where he served as an assistant coach while his daughter, Kim, played and pitched for the team. Tusculum made consecutive NAIA National Championship appearances in 1984 and 1985, with Kim anchoring the pitching staff.
In 1989, Holly took over as head coach of Milligan University’s softball program, embarking on a historic coaching journey. Entering the 2025 season, Holly boasted an overall record of 992-621, with his milestone 1,000th win occurring on March 4, 2025, against Bluefield.
One of the winningest coaches in NAIA history, Holly ranks second among active NAIA coaches in victories. His accolades include:
- Nine-time TVAC and AAC Coach of the Year
- Two-time NAIA District Coach of the Year
- National Fastpitch Coaches Association Region 3 Coach of the Year
- Region I Coaching Staff of the Year (alongside his son, Wes Holly Jr.)
Under his leadership, Milligan’s softball program has consistently ranked among the conference’s elite, securing nine conference titles and making 16 district/regional tournament appearances. In recent years, Holly led the Buffaloes to three national championship appearances (2016, 2017 and 2021), with the team making its first NAIA World Series appearance in 2021.
A Lasting Legacy
Holly’s impact extends beyond coaching. He has been instrumental in developing young athletes through fast-pitch clinics and private instruction, particularly in pitching. His influence on the sport has been recognized with inductions into both the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame (2014) and the Milligan University Sports Hall of Fame (2024). His daughter, Kim, and son, Wes Holly Jr., have also followed in his footsteps, with Wes Jr. earning his own Hall of Fame induction in 2024.
Coach Wes Holly continues to reside in the Johnson City area, where he enjoys spending time with his three grown children: Kim, Wes Jr. and Robbie. As he enters his 37th season at Milligan, his legacy remains stronger than ever—a testament to a life dedicated to the game and the athletes he has mentored along the way.
