Hampton holds special tribute for fallen star
Published 1:54 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2023
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Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Former Hampton Bulldog Wyatt Lyons was honored during halftime of the girl's game Tuesday night. Lyons passed away last year and Bulldog Nation came together to honor his memory by retiring his #14 jersey. Pictured are his parents Lynn and Benny Lyons, brother Morgan Lyons and his granny Mary.
Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Former Hampton Bulldog Wyatt Lyons was honored during halftime of the girl's game Tuesday night. Lyons passed away last year and Bulldog Nation came together to honor his memory by retiring his #14 jersey. Pictured in the center are his parents Lynn and Benny Lyons, brother Morgan Lyons, granny Mary and the entire Lyons Gang.
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STAR CORRESPONDENT
On Tuesday night at Van Huss / White gymnasium, the Hampton Bulldogs basketball program held a tribute for Wyatt Lyons, who passed away last year. The Bulldogs retired Lyons number 14 jersey in a ceremony involving the entire “Lyons Gang.”
Nicholas Perkins had a moving eulogy that encapsulated Lyons career as a three-sport star, saying about how Lyons father Benny would yell “Oh Baby” when Wyatt dropped down a thunderous dunk. Lyons also starred as a left-handed pitcher in baseball. In 2017 Lyons outduelled Unaka star pitcher John Boy Ramsey and helped lead Hampton to the sectional, where they fell to Greenback.
Lyons starred as Hampton took the District 1A title with wins over Unaka (10-2), University High (8-5) and North Greene (11-4) to move on to the region tournament.
In Wyatt’s own words, he loved to Hum Dat Tater from the mound and during his senior season, he garnered several awards, including the coveted Benny Smith basketball award as well as the Johnny Barnette award in baseball.
He was also named Hampton’s Male Athlete of the Year.
Lyons was known as a young man who made long practices and long games on the court fun and always was good for a practical joke.
On hand for the ceremony were Wyatt’s father, Benny; mother, Lynn; along with brother Morgan – himself a standout player – and his grandmother Mary and several other members of the Lyons Gang.
Rest in Peace, young man.
