Vicki Mitchell Inducted Into The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall Of Fame
10/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo cross country and track & field director and head coach Vicki Mitchell was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday evening. Mitchell joined 11 other athletes, coaches and administrators in the class of 2014.
This event marked the 24th class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1991 and brings total membership to 279.
"I am extremely honored and excited to be part of this very elite group," said Mitchell. "I never imagined this, and it is something I will cherish forever."
One of the most distinguished athletes and international competitors in the Western New York running community, Mitchell epitomizes all of the qualities of a well-respected college cross country and track & field coach. Her roots began as a 10-time All-American at Cortland State that saw her lead the Red Dragons to a NCAA Division III National Championship in cross country and track & field, followed by appearances on five USA National teams.
Following her international running career, Mitchell's passion for the sport led her to coaching. A Western New York native, Mitchell started her illustrious coaching career at Holy Angels Academy where she spent five seasons before moving on to become the assistant coach of the cross country and track & field programs at William Jewell College in Kansas City. Her deep WNY roots eventually brought her back to the area as the head coach of the University at Buffalo cross country and track & field programs more than 15 years ago.
Her time at the University at Buffalo has been highlighted by All-Americans and school records each season. Mitchell helped lead the UB women's track & field squad to their highest team placing in school history, third place, at the 2013 Mid-American Conference Outdoor Championships. She also led the women to their highest team placing in program history when they captured fourth place at the 2014 Indoor MAC Championships. The Western New York Running Hall of Fame inductee also helped bring the 2011 NCAA Northeast Cross Country Championships to WNY for the first time ever.
Respected by her peers for countless years of service to the Western New York running landscape, Mitchell leaves an unforgettable mark on our community and more importantly on all the athletes she has impacted during her illustrious career.
This group of 12 inductees will join a rich heritage of native Western New Yorkers, or those who starred in and around the Queen City during their playing days, as members of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
