Binghamton University Athletics

A native of Marathon, N.Y., Donnie Vinson wrestled at Binghamton from 2008-2013. 

A four-time NCAA qualifier and four-time CAA finalist, Vinson has the distinction of earning the highest national place of any Division I Bearcat with his third-place performance at the 2012 NCAA Championship. 

In 2010-11, he went 21-1 in duals and was ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation. One of his wins was a decision over two-time reigning NCAA champion Kyle Dake of Cornell, one of the most accomplished wrestlers in collegiate history. Vinson reached the CAA finals and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the second straight year. 

Vinson produced an exceptional year in 2011-12. He went 40-5 overall, captured his first CAA title, was named CAA Most Outstanding Wrestler and Wrestler of the Year and then put on a show in St. Louis. Seeded fourth at 149 at the NCAAs, he dropped his opening match before posting seven straight wins in elimination matches — the only wrestler in any weight class to win seven NCAA matches. His third-place finish secured All-America honors and he was later named BU's Athlete of the Year. 

In his final collegiate season, Vinson went 33-3 overall with a perfect 17-0 dual season and was ranked as high as No. 1 in the nation. He repeated as CAA champion, CAA Most Outstanding Wrestler and the conference's Wrestler of the Year before winning four more NCAA matches to record another top-12 national finish. He also was a repeat selection as the University's Athlete of the Year.  

Vinson ended his career with a school-record 132 wins and had a dominant 71-8 record in career duals. He was presented with the 2013 John Bilos Award winner for career achievement.

He earned a bachelor's degree in marketing in 2012 and a master's degree in student affairs administration in 2014.