Vining inducted into Georgia Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame

Polk County native Seth Vining was inducted Saturday into the Georgia Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame this past Saturday in Dalton, Ga.

Vining was recognized for his accomplishments after a 40-year career coaching young student athletes in the Gainesville, Ga. area. The veteran coach had the unique distinction of winning two state championships in girls basketball and two state championships in boys basketball. In addition, he was a three-time Georgia state runner-up, once in girls and twice in boys basketball.

During his career, Vining coached basketball at three different Hall County high schools and spent three years at Gainesville Junior College. He coached in 26 high school state tournaments, won 11 region championships and made it into the Georgia Final Four 10 times. His overall record was 709-267. Early in his career he was also a head coach in varsity baseball, varsity softball and varsity tennis.

The ceremony was held at the Dalton Convention Center, where he was joined by friends and numerous former players. Attendees included the inductee’s wife, Cathy; children Adam and Marjorie plus their spouses Jessamy and Bryan; grandchildren Walker, Neely, Abilee and Ames; and family members Ellis and Linda Fincher, Freddie and Gloria Elliott, David and Beth Vining, Jim and Pat Vining and John and Pam Vining.

Vining and his wife Cathy are both graduates of Tryon High School and Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.