PIKEVILLE, Ky.  – It all started on a weekend road trip in November of 1997, has featured two trips to the national tournament and all four 20-win seasons the women's basketball program at Pikeville College has ever known.

Another milestone came on Saturday when the Bears knocked off St. Catharine College 76-68. The win was No. 218 for Bill Watson during his time as head coach of the women's basketball program, and made him the school's record holder for wins by a basketball coach.

In getting the win, Watson – already the all-time leader in women's basketball wins – surpassed one of his mentors in Roy Cutright, who had won 217 games in nine seasons as women's coach and five more with the men.

Typical of Cutright, an alumnus of the college and a member of the athletics hall of fame, he was gracious with his praise of Watson.

“It's well-deserved,” he said. “Billy is a guy whose heart is at Pikeville College. He has served both programs well, and served me well in my time there. He's proven that by staying as long as he has at the school.”

Watson will be honored in a ceremony on Saturday when the basketball teams play a doubleheader with WVU Tech at the East Kentucky Expo Center beginning at 2 p.m.

Kelly Wells, in his fifth season as head coach of the men's basketball team, says Watson's impact off the court is as important as his success on it.

“It is a great honor to work with Bill day in and day out and to be around him for this great landmark in his career,” Wells said. “Bill is not only a good basketball coach, but also he is even a better person and friend! He has truly made a difference at Pikeville College and in the lives of all he has come in contact with through sports.”

Watson began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach with the men's team under Rick Scruggs. When the opportunity came prior to the 1997 season, he accepted the head coaching position with the women after assisting Randy Roberts during his final season at the helm.

The first win of his tenure came at the Pikeville College Gym on Nov. 14, 1997, when the Lady Bears defeated Ohio-Eastern 86-36.

Cutright won 146 games in nine seasons with the women, and Watson passed him with a 70-66 win over St. Vincent on Nov. 4, 2005 to become the all-time leader in women's basketball wins.

Cutright said while being at the top of any list is a source of pride, seeing one of his former assistants surpass him is as well. “You always know it's going to happen,” he said. “It's good when you find somebody who likes what he does and is willing to stay there, and doesn't use Pikeville College as a stepping stone.

“He has enjoyed his time there. I enjoyed my time there too.”

--PC--