COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Covington and Alleghany high schools celebrated the achievements of eight outstanding athletes and coaches during the Hall of Fame ceremony held Friday, October 17, before the Alleghany vs. Wilson Memorial football game. Each inductee has left a lasting mark on Cougar and Mountaineer athletics through remarkable performances, leadership, and dedication.
Glenn Spangler: Glenn Spangler’s impact on Cougar athletics spanned nearly two decades. He served as assistant JV and varsity football coach for 15 years (1986–2000) and as head wrestling coach for 13 years (1986–1999), guiding three individual state champions during his tenure. He also spent 10 years as an assistant track and field coach from 1987 to 1996. Beyond the sidelines, Spangler played a key administrative role as assistant principal and athletic director at Covington High from 1999 to 2005. A standout athlete himself, Spangler was a four-year football letterman at Emory & Henry College, earning All-ODAC honors twice and serving as team captain his senior year. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry College (1986) and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Radford University (1999).
Joann Helton Eagles, a 1997 graduate of Covington High School, was a standout in both basketball and track for the Cougars. A four-year varsity basketball letterman, Eagles earned multiple Player of the Week honors, was a two-time Player of the Year, and was named Second Team All-State her senior season. She scored over 1,000 career points, joining the school’s 1,000 Point Club, and helped lead CHS to its first regional tournament appearance since 1982. Eagles was also part of the group credited with reviving the Covington girls basketball program after its 1989 ending. In track and field, she was a state qualifier in the long jump and triple jump three straight years and placed in multiple events, including the 100m, 200m, 4×100 relay, long jump, and triple jump. She also helped set one of the fastest 4×100 relay times for several years.
Robbie Royston, a 1992 graduate of Covington High School, built one of the most impressive wrestling careers in Cougar history. Royston was a four-time Pioneer District Champion, a four-time Region C Champion, and placed at the state level all four years, finishing first once, second once, and third twice. His career record was an outstanding 89–6, with an 88 percent bonus win rate, including 63 pins, six technical falls, and nine major decisions. He continued his education at Virginia Tech, earning a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology (1997) and later a Master’s in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (2007).
Tracey Walker, Covington High School Class of 1997, was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in football and baseball for the Cougars. In football, Walker was a three-year letterman and earned numerous awards, including the John Heretick Award (1995), Pat Ellis Award (1996), and selection to multiple All-Area, All-District, and All-Region teams. His standout senior season included First Team All-District and All-Region honors and an Honorable Mention All-State selection at wide receiver. He was also a two-year baseball letterman, earning Honorable Mention All-Area honors in 1997. Walker’s leadership extended beyond the field — as a senior, he received the Richard Brian Snead Sportsmanship Award, the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award, and was named CHS Outstanding Male Athlete. In basketball he was a two-year letterman, Virginian Review Player of the week, All-area team and first Team all District in 1997. In 2025, Walker was further recognized for his leadership and mentorship as a Ring of Honor inductee at Timber Ridge School for coaching excellence.
Dr. Amy Bartley Simmons, A 1999 Alleghany High School graduate, was a two-sport standout who left her mark in both softball and volleyball. In softball, Bartley was a four-year varsity letterman and three-year team captain. She earned multiple All-District, All-Region, and All-State honors, was named the 1997 Virginian Review Player of the Year, and carried a career .398 batting average with a 2.32 ERA and 166 strikeouts. In volleyball, she was a three-year varsity player, two-year captain, and twice named Virginian Review Player of the Year. Her career totals included 453 service points, 115 sets, 84 kills, and 27 blocks. Bartley also excelled academically as a Beta Club and National Honor Society member and was named Co-Female Virginian Review Athlete of the Year in 1999. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Bridgewater College in 2003 with degrees in Athletic Training and Nutrition/Wellness, where she also lettered in softball all four years. Bartley later earned Academic All-District honors, was named to the All-ODAC Academic Team, and remains a respected figure in local athletics.
Dr. Latisha Chambers, A 2015 graduate of Alleghany High School, made her mark as a multi-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball, track and field, and basketball, while also standing out as a student leader. In volleyball, Chambers earned All-Conference honors in 2013 and 2014 and was named AHS Female Athlete of the Year her senior season. On the track, she set school records in the 100m (12.34), 200m (25.30), and long jump (17’5”) and was a Conference 31 champion and state finalist in multiple events. She was named Conference 31 Runner of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Chambers was also a member of the AHS varsity basketball team, earning All-Defensive honors. Beyond athletics, she served as Beta Club secretary, FCCLA vice president, and a Student Senate representative. At Radford University, Chambers graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation while competing for the Radford Track & Field team. She earned multiple Big South medals, was a four-time Athlete of the Week, and served as team captain. Her leadership continued beyond college, where she has become a clinical leader in occupational therapy and a dedicated Special Olympics volunteer.
Taylor Carter, A 2011 graduate of Alleghany High School, starred in both baseball and football. On the diamond, Carter was a four-year varsity letterman and the starting shortstop on Alleghany’s 2008 state runner-up team. He went on to earn numerous honors, including All-District, All-Region, and All-State selections, and was named the 2011 Blue Ridge District Pitcher of the Year. He also received the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award his senior year. In football, Carter was a three-year varsity player, twice named All-Blue Ridge District wide receiver, and earned All-Area honors in 2010. His 1,463 career receiving yards still rank second all-time at Alleghany High School. Carter continued his baseball career at WVU Tech, where he lettered for two seasons and led the team in both wins and ERA each year.
Eddie Smith, has been a dedicated supporter of Alleghany High School athletics for decades, recognized for his service and coaching contributions. Smith served on the varsity football “Chain Gang” for 25 years and was the assistant varsity softball coach from 2007 to 2015, where he worked closely as a pitching coach for multiple All-District, All-Region, and All-State athletes. A longtime supporter of Cougar and Mountaineer athletics, Smith has given countless hours mentoring current and former students at both Alleghany High School and Covington Middle School. He is an active member of the Virginia High School League Coaches Association and a proud supporter of the Mountaineer Athletic Club, contributing to the broader athletic community throughout the region.