His great uncle, Elmer Longmire, was WLAF station manager

Mark Byington at the NCAA Basketball Tournament (COURTESY JAMES MADISON MEDIA RELATIONS)

NASHVILLE, TN (WLAF) – New Vanderbilt Head Basketball Coach Mark Byington never played ball for the Coolidge Cats, but his mother, Trula Longmire-Byington, did. “Mark grew up in Virginia, but he has Campbell County roots,” said the new Vandy coach’s uncle, Jess Longmire.

“He’s had a whirlwind last few weeks, the NCAA Tournament with his James Madison Dukes, the offers from several major universities and signing with Vanderbilt today (Monday),” Longmire said.

Byington’s Dukes were a 12 seed in the Big Dance falling in the second round to Duke on Sunday. James Madison finished its season 32 & 4 which includes a season opening win at East Lansing against Michigan State.

“Vanderbilt had a plane in Harrisonburg (Virginia) at four this morning (Monday) and flew him to Nashville. He came back later in the day to meet with his team,” said Longmire.

James Madison upset 5th seeded Wisconsin 72-61 in Friday’s first round game.

A constant in the career and life of the 6-4 Byington is legendary Coach Bobby Cremins. Byington was Cremins’ top assistant at College of Charleston. Jon Cremins, Bobby’s oldest son, is on Byington’s staff (correction: Jon is Bobby’s nephew).

“Becoming a Vanderbilt fan will take some doing, but I’ll get there,” said Longmire. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED -03/26/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY JAMES MADISON MEDIA RELATIONS)

Related