Greenville, North Carolina (KTRK) – Proudly wearing her pinecone bracelet, a sacred symbol of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, Karen Sampson looked up to all the familiar faces in Greenville, North Carolina.
Karen Sampson said, “He’s a hometown boy who did well. It’s that story. All these people either knew my dad. They knew my dad Kelvin. They played for Kelvin’s dad. They were coached by Kelvin’s dad.”
They packed the visitors’ section of the UH game in East Carolina on February 25th. The Lumbee community has come to welcome a member of their family home.
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Ronnie Chavis coached Kelvin Sampson in high school and knows what it means to the Lumpy tribe to see someone achieve so much.
“They are very proud of him. They are very proud of him. It’s unbelievable,” Chaves said.
He still speaks regularly with his former baseball star, and there are still times when Coach Sampson’s incredible success is hard to fathom.
“In 1972-73, when I coached Kelvin, I knew it was going to be something special, but I didn’t envision it being that special,” he said.
Kelvin Sampson is back with favorites for the Final Four and national championships tonight.
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“Anything from our heritage, the Lumbe people, when they come together. It’s great to see him do what he’s doing. Anyone who makes it up our necks in the woods is awesome. I love him,” said Chaves.
Ronnie’s son, James Chavis, was six years old when Coach Sampson took him to basketball camp in Oklahoma. It was a life-changing experience, James Chavis told ABC13, leaving his small community of Lumby to see everything Coach Sampson has built at OU.
Years later, Sampson is still an inspiration. “It’s amazing to think that someone of our heritage is coaching the first team in America,” he said.
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Rita Locklear grew up with Kelvin and Karen Sampson. Their friendship grew, cheering Kelvin at every stop as he climbed the coaching ladder.
“He never forgot who he was, his family, his tribe, and his community. He gives back in every way he can. They were so welcoming as if you walked into their living room. And he offered his home to our community wherever he was,” Locklear said.
This is a common theme for the people of Lumpy, who are deeply moved that Sampson never forgot his roots.
Lumpy member Robbie Hunt said, “It means a lot to us to see that he recognizes us. He represents his tribe. He speaks for his tribe.”
Coach Sampson stayed up late after another convincing win to shake hands, hug friends and take pictures with his extended family. When asked by ABC13’s Greg Bailey about his homecoming experience, Kelvin replied, “Our roots in North Carolina are strong. I’ve been a Lumpy my whole life, and I’m proud of that.”
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