In 1967, he broke barriers by becoming the first African American to earn an athletic scholarship at then-Perkinston Junior College—an achievement that made him the first Black athlete to play at the college level in Mississippi. Just days later, his Carver High teammates Glenn Larkin and Morris Richardson joined him on the Bulldogs’ roster, cementing a legacy of change and inclusion in Gulf Coast athletics.

On the field, Wells proved himself as a fierce competitor on both the offense and defense.  In his freshman year, he was an offensive lineman and helped the Bulldogs capture the 1967 state title, earning a letter and All-State recognition. The following year, he shifted to defense, helping Gulf Coast post a 9-1 record and reach another state title game appearance. He was honored as a First Team All-State player and received Honorable Mention All-American recognition.

Wells went on to play at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he made history once again as the school’s first African American scholarship athlete. He became an All-Conference lineman in both his junior and senior years, solidifying his place as a standout player at both the community college and university levels.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Wells has remained a dedicated supporter of Gulf Coast. A longtime member of the Bulldog Club, he has also served for seven years on the MGCCC Foundation Board of Trustees, advocating for both the college and its athletic programs. Professionally, he built a career in construction before retiring from CRB Construction.

Wells’ groundbreaking career has been celebrated widely. He was inducted into the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, as well as the MGCCC Athletic Hall of Fame.

Today, his contributions are honored once again with his selection as the 2025 Spirit of Gulf Coast recipient—a recognition not only of his athletic talent, but also of his enduring legacy as a pioneer, leader, and advocate for Gulf Coast and its student-athletes.