Campbellsville
UNIVERSITY
Samuel “Sam” Wickliffe
Samuel “Sam” Wickliffe, a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, began his coaching career at Campbellsville College with the revival of the Fighting Tigers Football program in 1987. During his 11-year coaching tenure at Campbellsville, Wickliffe coached the Fighting Tigers' defensive line and assisted with other team duties. Wickliffe was an integral part of helping build the Tiger football program that won Mid-South Conference championships in 1992 and 1997. It was his strong commitment to the sport of football, as well as to his family, church and community that led to Coach Wickliffe being named the first-ever American Football Coaches Association NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year in 1998.
Of equal importance to his coaching accomplishments is Coach Wickliffe's impact on the lives of his players and on the community in which he coached. Coach Wickliffe was an active member of the AFCA and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In addition, Coach Wickliffe has and continues to be very active in church, serving in numerous leadership roles, and in the Campbellsville community, holding leadership positions with several civic and service organizations.
After graduating from college, Wickliffe served for four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict before receiving an Honorable Discharge. He has lived in Campbellsville 47 years where he taught and coached in the Campbellsville Independent School System 31 years before his retirement. Coach Wickliffe has been honored as a recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Campbellsville community. Campbellsville University also recognized Wickliffe with the African American Community Award.
Coach Wickliffe, a native of Bardstown, Ky., is married to Jean Bradshaw Wickliffe, also a retired school teacher. They have two children, Samuel L. Wickliffe and Dr. Lori Wyatt.