ETTRICK, Va. — Virginia State University Athletics proudly announces the VSU Athletics Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame Class of 2026, honoring an exceptional group of former student-athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters whose excellence, leadership, and commitment have left a lasting legacy on Trojan Athletics.
The Class of 2026 represents multiple sports, eras, and roles within VSU Athletics, with each honoree exemplifying Trojan pride and achievement at the highest levels.
"Virginia State University has a proud tradition of success across its athletics programs, and that legacy is reflected in the 2026 Hall & Wall of Fame class, which represents multiple sports and eras of Trojan athletics," said Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes, Associate Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "We are excited to recognize this outstanding group of inductees and welcome them into the VSU Athletics Hall & Wall of Fame."
VSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Class of 2026
Student-Athlete Category
Derrick Blount Men's Track & Field
Derrick Blount distinguished himself as one of the most accomplished competitors in VSU Track & Field history. A seven-time NCAA All-American and seven-time team MVP, Blount captured multiple CIAA championships in both indoor and outdoor competition. He holds the VSU school record in the 110-meter hurdles and was named VSU Student-Athlete of the Year in 2002.
A multi-year team captain, Blount's leadership, consistency, and excellence helped define an era of success for Trojan Track & Field.
Al Bumbry Baseball / Men's Basketball
A two-sport standout at VSU, Al Bumbry distinguished himself in both basketball and baseball before achieving exceptional success at the professional level. A four-year letter winner in men's basketball, Bumbry posted a remarkable .578 batting average and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1968. He went on to earn American League Rookie of the Year honors in 1973, All-Star recognition in 1980, and a World Series championship in 1983.
His legendary career has been honored with induction into the CIAA Hall of Fame, the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame, and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, reflecting a legacy of excellence that spans collegiate and professional athletics.
Ariel Haith Bowling
Ariel Haith becomes the first bowling student-athlete inducted into the VSU Athletics Hall of Fame after a career defined by consistency and championship-level performance. A three-time First Team All-CIAA honoree, Haith was named CIAA Player of the Year in 2019 and earned All-Tournament Team recognition twice. During the 2019 season, she recorded the highest average score in the CIAA at 185.48 pins per match, leading the conference in total pin count and elevating the VSU bowling program.
Jessica Ramos-Mattia Softball
Jessica Ramos-Mattia enjoyed a standout career defined by dominance on the mound, leadership, and academic excellence. A three-time First Team All-CIAA selection, she was named the 2014 CIAA Softball Player of the Year after leading the conference with a 2.09 ERA and 117 strikeouts. That season, Ramos-Mattia also earned VSU Female Student-Athlete of the Year honors and was named the team's MVP.
Her impact extended beyond competition, as she was also recognized on the CIAA Commissioner's All-Academic Team, setting a high standard for achievement both on the field and in the classroom.
Damon "Redd" Thompson Football
One of the most versatile and prolific athletes in VSU Football history, Damon "Redd" Thompson earned Hall of Fame induction following a record-breaking career. A 2013 CIAA Hall of Fame inductee and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist, Thompson was a three-time CIAA Player of the Year, earning offensive honors in 1998 and both offensive and defensive recognition in 1999. He ranks among the top performers in NCAA Division II history, including top-10 all-time marks in career receiving yards and total all-purpose yards.
Thompson also led NCAA Division II in single-season all-purpose yards with 1,994, showcasing his ability as a receiver, return specialist, and all-around playmaker. His versatility and production set a new standard for excellence in Trojan Football.
Avis Wyatt Men's Basketball
Avis Wyatt established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in CIAA and NCAA Division II history. He finished his career as the CIAA record holder with 350 blocked shots, ranking 10th all-time nationally and 25th in Division II history in blocked shots per game at 3.10. Wyatt earned First Team All-CIAA honors and was named CIAA Defensive Player of the Year during the 2006–07 season, when he led the conference in blocked shots at 3.2 per game. He also scored more than 1,000 career points and set the VSU single-season record with 92 blocked shots, defining excellence in the paint for Trojan Basketball. .
Team Category
1977 Men's Track & Field 4x100M Relay Team
The 1977 4x100-meter relay team—Lindberg Morris, Fred Johnson, Cecil Mitchell, and John Christian—earns Hall of Fame induction after capturing the 1977 NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championship. The quartet recorded a championship-winning time of 40.60 seconds, cementing their place in VSU history and leaving an enduring mark on Trojan Track & Field.
VSU Athletics Wall of Fame — Class of 2026
Shirley Hines Supporter/Benefactor
Virginia State University Athletics proudly recognizes Shirley Hines, VSU alumna and longtime member of the VSU Athletics Boosters, as a Wall of Fame inductee in the Supporter/Benefactor category. Hines established the Rashann & Tiya Hines Softball Endowed Fund, which provides vital support for athletics scholarships and the operational needs of the VSU softball program. Through her generosity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment, Hines has made a meaningful and lasting impact on VSU Athletics and the success of Trojan student-athletes.
Virginia State University Athletics congratulates the entire Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame Class of 2026. Their accomplishments, dedication, and legacy continue to inspire Trojan student-athletes and the VSU community, and their impact will be formally celebrated during the induction ceremony will be held at the VSU Gateway Dining and Event Center on January 30 at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets, go to https://giving.vsu.edu/s/1939/bp21/interior-left.aspx?sid=1939&pgid=846&gid=2&cid=1799&ecid=1799&post_id=0.
