Hall of Fame
Derrick Homesley’s speed on the track earned him recognition, but it was his N.C. A&T roots that taught him how to use his talent to become a star.
Homesley’s father, Dennis, and N.C. A&T track and field coach, Roy “Spaceman” Thompson, were N.C. A&T classmates. Thompson mentored Homesley in track throughout his high school career. Even though Thompson mentored Homesley, it was not a sure decision Homesley would attend N.C. A&T despite both parents being alumni. Ultimately, Homesley decided to attend N.C. A&T and participate in track and field under coach Thompson.
Homesley went on to become the first male Aggie long jumper to win the Penn Relays with the sixth-longest long jump in the history of the prestigious event. He also became the first male Aggie to qualify for the Division I-AA NCAA Track Championships held at Duke University in 1990.
After Homesley’s college career, the goal was to be part of the Olympics. He trained by himself for two years until he found his Olympic development coach, Stan Mullins. Mullins helped Homesley qualify for the Olympic Trials in 1996 for an opportunity to make the Atlanta Olympic Games. Unfortunately, Homesley did not qualify for the Olympics, but he came very close. He was the second Aggie to qualify for the Olympic Trials.
When Homesley thinks back to the beginning of his career, he thanks N.C. A&T. He is glad he had the chance to be part of the competitive era and thankful to be an Aggie longer jumper.
