WISE, Va. - - The University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVA Wise) Director of Athletics Kendall Rainey announced Wednesday the hiring of Gary Bass as the fifth head football coach at the college.
A former student-athlete at fellow South Atlantic Conference member Catawba College and current head coach at Quincy University (Ill.) for the past seven seasons, Bass succeeds Dane Damron who held the position for eight years.
"I am delighted to welcome Gary Bass and his family to Wise as our next head football coach," Rainey said. "Coach Bass is a native of the Appalachian Region, familiar with the South Atlantic Conference and experienced in program building. His vision is aligned with the academic and athletic mission of UVA Wise and the focus on the student-athlete experience of NCAA Division II. Coach Bass is a competitor, solid recruiter and community builder who values player development."
Bass brings 17 years of coaching experience to UVA Wise, including 14 at the NCAA Division II level.
"Coach Bass has significant experience in supporting student-athletes holistically, which is one of our key values at UVA Wise and within the NCAA Division II," says Chancellor Donna P. Henry. "I look forward to seeing how he can utilize those talents to not only further develop our players and program but as we continue to recruit new Highland Cavaliers."
Bass just oversaw the fifth winning season in the last 30 years at Quincy this past fall as the Hawks averaged 38.5 points per game to rank No. 17 among all NCAA Division II schools.
"I am beyond humbled to get the opportunity to come to UVA Wise," stated Bass. "I can already tell the school and community are a special place. I can't wait to get the opportunity to build relationships with the team, college, alumni, supporters and community."
During his time at Quincy, football student-athletes excelled in the classroom by posting a team grade point average greater than 3.0 over each of the last eight semesters. On the gridiron, Bass' offense established over 25 new school records dating back to the five seasons he spent as the school's associate head coach from 2012-2016.
Before his time at Quincy, Bass spent two seasons at Missouri Southern State University. Serving as the program's offensive line coach, five student-athletes earned all-conference acclaim under Bass' tutelage as the Lions broke 12 offensive program records.
Bass began his career at East Rowan High School in his home state of North Carolina. Serving as offensive coordinator, the school made a pair of playoff appearances in three seasons with Bass on staff.
A native of Marion, N.C., Bass was a three-year starter on Catawba's offensive line. During his playing career, the school posted a 47-15 record, made three trips to the NCAA Division II playoffs and won a trio of conference titles.
Bass and his wife, Melaney, are the parents of a daughter, Lyla, and a son, Jackson.
UVA Wise partnered with Mammoth Sports Consulting to assist in the search for its next football coach. Mammoth Vice President Kurt Patberg led the search effort.
A public liberal arts college located in Wise, Va., UVA Wise fields 17 intercollegiate athletic teams competing in NCAA Division II and the South Atlantic Conference.
THE GARY BASS FILE
Hometown: Marion, N.C.
Education: Catawba College, 2006 (Marketing)
Wife: Melaney
Children: Lyla and Jackson
BASS' COACHING CAREER
2024 – UVA Wise (Head Coach)
2017-2023 – Quincy (Head Coach)
2012-17 – Quincy (Associate Head Coach)
2010-11 – Missouri Southern State (Offensive Line Coach)
2007-10 – East Rowan High School, N.C. (Offensive Coordinator)
