2019 Coaching Staff

Jimmy Upchurch - Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Western Carolina '88) 17th Season (137-81)

 Head Coach Jimmy Upchurch completed his 17th season as the Wildcats' head coach.

Coach Upchurch and his staff have continued to bring excitement and enthusiasm to the City of King. He has led the Wildcats to 16 straight NCHSAA 2A State Playoff berths, while making it to the second round in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017. In 2019 the Wildcats finished as 2A West Regional Runner-ups to eventual state champion Reidsville. The Wildcats won the 2AA State Championship in 2011 while finishing unblemished at 16-0. Under Coach Upchurch, the Wildcats have earned four conference championships, with him being named conference coach of the year in 2011, 2015, and 2018. 

He has helped 53 players’ advance to the college level while at West Stokes. He was instrumental in helping start the West Stokes Prowlers little league team back in 2004 and today reaping the benefits of the organization with the current players.

Coach Upchurch has coached at Forbush, Surry Central, and East Surry. Coming from East Surry as the Defensive Coordinator in 2003, he helped lead the Cardinals to one of the top defenses in the state in 2001 and an appearance in the Western 1A Finals.

Coach Upchurch and the Wildcats finished the 2019 season 11-4 and has an overall record of 137-81 while at West Stokes. He has led the program to 95 wins in the past 10 seasons. The 2018 team averaged 40.5 points a game, the best in school history. The program only had 4 wins before Coach Upchurch came to King. He has led the Wildcats to 15 Stokes County Championships, winning 13 out of the last 15.

Upchurch played high school football at East Surry under legendary coach David Diamont and graduated in 1984. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry & Business Administration Management in 1988. He earned his teaching certification from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Coach Upchurch and his wife Crystal of twenty-two years, have two daughters: McKenzie 22 and Madison 18.

Christopher Nelson - Head JV  /  Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 

Entering his fifth year, as member of the Wildcats coaching staff. He is the second oldest of four, from Robert and Alice Nelson. Graduated from Oak Hill High School, in West Virginia, June 2002. While in high school he played football, basketball, and ran track. After high school he attended Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, NC, where he played football. He graduated from Johnson C. Smith, in 2007, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. He received his teaching certification in Physical Education from Winston-Salem State University in 2013.

Travis Gammons - Running Backs/Athletic Director

Married to wife Julie with has one daughter.  Entering his second season with the Wildcats as the running back coach and the school's athletic director.  Has taught for 22 years and 16 seasons at North Surry HS.  Coaching experience includes: baseball, basketball, football, and most recently track and field, indoor track, and cross country where he was named coach of the year in 2015.  He is a native of Stokes County and graduated from North Stokes HS.  Gammons received his bachelor degree in exercise and sports science from East Carolina University. Him and his family resides in King, N.C.  

Harrell Bowen - Defensive Line Coach

Married to wife Jan with two children: Luke & Leslie. Coach Bowen is completed his 21st as a Wildcat coach. He is the only remaining member of the original coaching staff in 1999. Retired as a Stokes County EMS Paramedic and currently works for TK Electric. Graduated from South Stokes HS and resides in Pinnacle, NC.

Tanner Haynes - Offensive Line Coach

Entering his third year on staff at West Stokes. Graduated from East Surry and attended Appalachian State University where he majored in Public Health with a minor in Physical Education. He currently works as a Chicken Farmer and is a substitute for Stokes County Schools. Married to Ashley and resides in Shoals, N.C.

Luke Bowen - Wide Receiver Coach

2010 Graduate of West Stokes and former player under Coach Upchurch.  Entering his fourth year on staff as the wide receiver coach.  Graduated from Bridgewater College in Virginia after playing football for three season.  Played one season at Guilford College.  Resides in Pinnacle, N.C. 

Austin Tucker - Defensive Line Coach

Entering his third year on staff at West Stokes. Graduated from North Stokes HS where he was a four-year starter on the football team and was all-conference his junior and senior season. Attended Monterey Peninsula College in California and played football for two season. Currently attending Forsyth Tech Community College and studying Criminal Justice.  Resides in Westfield, N.C.  

Brandon Dawson - Wide Receiver Coach

Entering his second year at West Stokes. Graduated from East Surry in 2008 and played under legendary coach David Diamont. Coached three years with the King Dolphins leading them to a state championship in 2014 and two years with the West Stokes Prowlers. Attended Surry Community College in Dobson, N.C. and Owens Community College in Ohio. Works for Cooks Medical Supply in Winston-Salem and resides in Mount Airy, N.C.  Attends Poplar Springs Church of Christ where he is an active member. 

Robert Money - Head Statistician 

Married to wife Julie with four children; Austin, Elizabeth, Jack, and Saleen and he also has eight grandchildren; Addy, Izzy, Boyd, Piper, Finn, Hank, Lila, and Cliff. Entering his 15th year on the staff at West Stokes. Has volunteered and coached with 24-years of experiences in the surrounding communities. Graduated from South Stokes High School in 1986 and attended Forsyth Community College. Employed at YMCA Camp Hanes as the Food Service Director and The Stokes News as the sports editor. Resides in King, NC.