Virginia State University Athletics recently announced the Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing former student-athletes, coaches, teams and supporters who made significant contributions to Trojan Athletics. 

The 2026 class includes honorees from multiple sports and eras. The inductees set records, won championships and had a lasting impact on VSU programs. 

“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,” said Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. 

Derrick Blount, a seven-time NCAA All- American in men’s track and field, won multiple CIAA championships and holds the VSU record in the 110-meter hurdles. He was a multiyear team captain and was named VSU Student- Athlete of the Year in 2002. 

Al Bumbry competed in baseball and men’s basketball at VSU before a professional baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles. Drafted in 1968, he earned American League Rookie of the Year honors in 1973, was an All-Star in 1980 and helped the Orioles win the 1983 World Series. 

Ariel Haith, the first bowling student-athlete inducted into the VSU Hall of Fame, was a three-time First Team All-CIAA honoree and 2019 CIAA Player of the Year. She led the conference in total pin count and average pins per match. 

Jessica Ramos-Mattia, a three-time First Team All-CIAA selection in softball, led the conference in strikeouts and ERA in 2014 and earned VSU Female Student-Athlete of the Year honors. She was also recognized on the CIAA Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. 

Damon “Redd” Thompson, a 2013 CIAA Hall of Fame inductee and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist, was a three-time CIAA Player of the Year in football. He ranks among the top performers in NCAA Division II history for career receiving yards and all-purpose yards and led Division II in single-season all-purpose yards with 1,994. 

Avis Wyatt finished his men’s basketball career with 350 blocked shots, ranking 10th nationally in NCAA Division II history. He was a First Team All-CIAA selection and the 2006-07 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year. 

The 1977 men’s track and field 4x100-meter relay team of Lindberg Morris, Fred Johnson, Cecil Mitchell and John Christian captured the NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championship, completing the race in 40.60 seconds. 

The Wall of Fame Class of 2026 also includes Shirley Hines, a VSU alumna and longtime supporter. Hines established an endowed fund for the VSU softball program to support scholarships and operational needs. 

The induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame Class of 2026 is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the VSU Gateway Dining and Event Center.