The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Local sports hero Vincent Wyatt, a name synonymous with dedication and achievement, recently earned a prestigious spot in the Radford Hall of Fame. When talking about this honor, he said, “It means everything, honestly, to be recognized for anything positive is major, but to be recognized in this way is unbelievable.” The Virginian Review sat down with Wyatt to discuss this significant milestone and reflect on a career defined by hard work and passion.
Wyatt is a 2011 Graduate of William Fleming High School in Roanoke and a 2025 Graduate from Radford. Vincent currently works at Covington Middle School as a Health and Physical Education teacher, has coached JV girls basketball for two years, and offers personal training to community youth.
When asked if he would have ever imagined his name would be part of his college’s athletic history, Wyatt quickly said, “Not at all. When you’re on your journey to pursuing your dreams and competing at a high level, the only thing that matters is working hard, getting better, and having fun. To be in something as big as the Hall of Fame is a huge reflection on everything I’ve done and all of the work I’ve put in.”
Looking back, Wyatt states that making the U23 USA team and placing second with a personal best was one of his greatest achievements in college athletics. He went on to say that this is an incredible moment because, as a track and field athlete, “one of your main goals is to represent your country. To go to trials, make the team, travel to Canada for a week, and compete with some of the best in the world was amazing.”
When asked about people who helped in his development, he stated that there were several. He stated, “Any teammate I’ve ever had, has had a huge role in my success. I cannot thank them enough for pushing and encouraging me. If I could I would share this honor with all of them.”
Additionally, Wyatt highlighted the following people who he said have played a huge role in his success:
His high school coach, Kasey, is the reason that he thought to take track and field seriously. Another high school coach, Dillard, kept him grounded and pushed him to never settle and always know that he can do better than the last race, regardless of the outcome. From the very beginning, he trusted his college coach, Coach White, who taught him about being a track athlete and has also helped him in his current life.
Wyatt saved perhaps his most impactful praise for Coach Chumbley, whom he ranked as one of the hardest coaches he’s ever had. Chumbley pushed him to his limits daily, and that rigorous training paid off immensely from then on.
To current student-athletes who look to follow in his footsteps, Wyatt said, “Embrace everything that comes with chasing a dream. Adversity is inevitable, and to keep going in the midst of all of it will almost always set you up for success, no matter what you do just want it more than anyone else.”
Wyatt has two amazing daughters, who are his “world,” and when he isn’t working or coaching, he’s making memories with them.
Congratulations to Wyatt on this momentous achievement.
