ROANOKE MEN'S SOCCER ALUMNI QUESTION & ANSWER
RICHARD WELLS '95
Where are you originally from?
Nashville, Tenn.
Why did you choose to attend Roanoke College?
I transferred from UAB in Birmingham, Ala. after my freshman season ended. I wasn't crazy about the school or Birmingham. Playing DI soccer was always my goal and I am glad I did it but I came to the realization that it was like having a full-time job with no social life on top of school. I wanted a better balance and I wanted the mountains. My dad and I drove up to visit with Coach Allison and I fell in love with the campus and the school. Coach A of course was impressive in our meeting and made me feel right at home, I was enrolled three weeks later.
Where are you now/what are you doing?
I came back home after graduating and still live in Nashville, Brentwood actually. I have worked at Principal Financial Group for the last 21 years doing Employee Benefits Consulting.
Last time you touched a soccer ball/where?
I have 3 boys and a girl. My 3 boys all play so it's rare for me not to touch the ball at least every day. My playing days are over but I can still juggle with the best and definitely enjoy my garage time with the boys.
Highlight/favorite soccer memory from your time at Roanoke?
Winning back-to-back ODAC titles and narrowly missing the final-four after a 4X overtime loss to UCSD. I don't even think they play 4 overtimes anymore? My legs were absolute toast after that game. I believe each OT was 15 minutes so we played close to 150 minutes (I might be exaggerating a bit but it felt like an eternity on the field).
When is the last time you were back on campus? Do you get back often?
I haven't been back in a long time but keep saying I will get up and see how things have changed. I haven't even seen the new stadium and field. Coach A comes to Nashville every 4-5 years so we try and grab lunch but I am looking forward to getting back and seeing the changes.
Favorite non-soccer memory from your time at Roanoke?
I would never have said this coming out of school but looking back at my time at Roanoke I have come to realize that at that point in my life (19-21 yrs old) I really needed someone or something to hold me accountable. The classroom size, the relationship with Coach A and my teammates helped to keep me grounded and focused. I think I may have been lost in a much larger setting and would attribute much of who I am today to my time at Roanoke.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully retired but who knows. Kids are expensive!!
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Wow, tough question. I think when we are young we have this vision of changing the world or making our mark. Right now I just hope that someday I can look back and feel like I have been a good father, husband and role model for my kids. Ask me again in 10 years and I may give you a different answer….
What advice do you have for the current Maroons about life after college?
Don't stress. I had no clue what I wanted to do after school but soon found out life outside of Roanoke is very similar to life within Roanoke. Balancing school work, soccer, and your social life will prepare you well for the real world. Work hard and good things will happen!!
