John D. "Duke" Wells (February 5, 1914 – November 28, 1989) was an American football, basketball, and baseball player and coach.[1] He served as the head football coach at Henderson State Teachers College—now known as Henderson State University—in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 1941 and from 1945 to 1961, compiling a record of 73–78–11. He was also Henderson State's head basketball coach from 1941 to 1949, tallying a mark of 63–62. The school's basketball arena is named after him.[2]

Duke Wells
Biographical details
Born(1914-02-05)February 5, 1914
DiedNovember 28, 1989(1989-11-28) (aged 75)
Playing career
Football
1932–1934Henderson State
Basketball
c. 1932–1934Henderson State
Baseball
c. 1932–1934Henderson State
1937–1938Jackson Generals
1938Hot Springs Bathers
1939Fulton Tigers
Position(s)Second baseman, third baseman (baseball)
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
Football
1941–1961Henderson State
Basketball
1941–1949Henderson State
Baseball
1952–1955Henderson State
1957–1961Henderson State
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1962–1979Henderson State
Head coaching record
Overall73–78–11 (football)
63–62 (basketball)
86–60 (baseball)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
Football
2 AIC (1950, 1959)

Baseball
2 AIC (1953, 1958)

Head coaching record

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Football

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Henderson State Reddies (Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference) (1941–1961)
1941 Henderson State 1–7–2 1–5
1942 No team—World War II
1943 No team—World War II
1944 No team—World War II
1945 Henderson State 3–5 3–2
1946 Henderson State 6–3–1 4–2 3rd
1947 Henderson State 1–7–1 0–6–1
1948 Henderson State 3–7 3–4
1949 Henderson State 7–2 6–2
1950 Henderson State 6–1–2 6–0–2 1st
1951 Henderson State 5–3–1 5–1–1
1952 Henderson State 4–4 3–2 2nd
1953 Henderson State 3–5 3–3
1954 Henderson State 4–4 3–2
1955 Henderson State 5–3–1 4–1–1
1956 Henderson State 4–4–1 3–2–1
1957 Henderson State 2–5–1 1–4–1
1958 Henderson State 3–6 2–4 5th
1959 Henderson State 6–2–1 5–0–1 T–1st
1960 Henderson State 6–4 5–2 3rd
1961 Henderson State 4–6 3–3 5th
Henderson State: 73–78–11 60–45–8
Total: 73–78–11
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

References

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  1. ^ "John Wells". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  2. ^ "Duke Wells Center". hsusports.com. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
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