DeAvion Harding to run at Lynchburg


by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi

DeAvion Harding has committed to run track and cross country at University of Lynchburg next year. He signed his letter of intent last week. From left are (front row) his father, Karl Harding, Harding and his mother, Shanee’ Jones; (next row) Lancaster High School coaches James Timms, Markus Ferguson, Joanne Webb-Fary and Draper Washington. Photo by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi

DeAvion Harding, a standout runner at Lancaster High School, will take his talents to the tracks at the University of Lynchburg next year.

Harding, 17, of Weems committed last week to run both cross country and track and field at the private university.

Although he was courted by coaches at Ferrum College, Longwood University, Radford University and Averett University, one tour of Lynchburg helped him decide.

“It felt like home,” he said. “The teammates I met were so easygoing and welcoming.”

The Hornets, offering 19 intercollegiate athlete programs, participate in NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. A distance runner, Harding will run cross country in the fall and be a middle distance/distance runner in the spring for the track and field team. He’ll compete in…