As a basketball player at Virginia Union University, R. Vance Harmon drew attention for his shooting, his passing, his passion for the sport … and, oh yes, for the color of his skin.

One of only two Caucasians ever to suit up for the historically black university, Coach Harmon played for the Panthers from 1990 to 1993, and was a member of VUU’s 1992 NCAA Division II national championship team.

Also in 1992, the 5-foot-9 guard won the CIAA 3-point shooting contest prior to the conference title game at the Richmond Coliseum.

Coach Harmon earned a degree in history and political science in 1994, ranking third in his graduating class.

“I had a great experience at Union,” said Coach Harmon, who was a fan favorite. “I played for a Hall of Fame coach (Dave Robbins), was part of the CIAA and NCAA championships, and made lots of friends. What’s not to like?”

An admitted “gym rat,” he never strayed far from the hard court while putting his basketball knowledge and VUU degree to good use.

Following a coaching stint at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County, Coach Harmon accepted the coaching reins at Henrico High in 2003. He also serves as chairperson for the school’s History Department.

His 13 seasons as the Warriors’ coach have produced a 290-74 record, with state championships in 2013 and again this year.

Coach Harmon’s squad won the State Group AAA title in 2013 and added the State 5A crown March 14, trouncing Norfolk’s Norview High School 78-64 in the Virginia High School League final at the Siegel Center. The Warriors completed the season 28-1.

During an illustrious playing career at Douglas Freeman High School in Henrico, Coach Harmon became the county’s all-time scorer with more than 1,600 points.

His signing with VUU raised some eyebrows.

The Panthers’ only other white player was Tom Leary from Henrico’s Hermitage High School, who played under VUU Coach Tom Harris in the early 1970s.

Coach Harmon says his decision to attend an HBCU has long been a source of confusion with acquaintances. “People will ask me where I went (to college), and I say, ‘VUU.’ They’ll look at me kind of funny and say, ‘Don’t you mean VCU?’

“They just can’t believe it.”

Perhaps Coach Harmon’s most memorable game at VUU was in the 1991 NCAA quarterfinals in Springfield, Mass. Trailing No. 1-ranked North Dakota by 18 points early in the second half, Coach Robbins sent in the “Mighty Mites,” consisting of smallish guards Aaron Gosa, Tic Hill and Harmon.

Wreaking havoc with their pressing defense and quick-strike scores, the “Mighty Mites” rallied VUU to a 64-63 victory.

Meet this week’s Personality, Coach R. Vance Harmon:

Date and place of birth: Dec. 30 in Richmond.

Number of years coaching: 21 years. I began teaching/coaching in the fall of 1994.

Coaches should be: Honest, dedicated to the kids and should treat their players the same way you would want your own children taught.

Family: Wife, Christy, (married 12 years this April); children, Virginia Anne, 10, and Margaret, 5.

Reaction to Warriors winning the championship: Thrilled for our team, school, and the North Side of Richmond. Excited to win a second state championship in a three-year period.

Did you expect to win: Yes. Each time we practice, workout and play a game, the expectation is that we are preparing to “win” that day.

The key to winning the title: Having a talented group of young men that played unselfishly, were completely coachable and sacrificed individual glory for team success.

You’ve won two state titles in three years. Would you call that a dynasty? We have been fortunate to have a great deal of success during our 12 years at Henrico High School. We strive to play to the best of our abilities each season, but we will let other folks label our program.

How much time do I spend coaching:  Teaching and coaching is what I enjoy doing. A large majority of my day is spent trying to figure out ways to improve my teaching and coaching craft. If I am awake, I’m trying to improve.

Who influenced me to become a coach:My parents, Ron and Anne Harmon, always encouraged me to pursue things that I enjoyed. Whether it was playing sports, hobbies, school, etc., they would say, “Do the best you can do, and you will never look back and have regrets.” My father was a teacher and coach.

Role of sports in developing young people to become good citizens:

Sports can help shape people in ways that would seem impossible. The lessons that athletics can teach are a microcosm of our society. Competing to the best of your abilities, handling yourself with dignity, displaying sportsmanship and conducting yourself with class will go farther in life than winning some ballgames.

Advice to youngsters interested in a coaching career: Coaching the games is about 10 percent of the actual part that most people see. The preparation, mentoring your players, practice, scouting, washing uniforms, mopping the floor — many of the less glamorous tasks — are what comes with the package of coaching.

Favorite basketball coach: My father; my college coach, Dave Robbins at VUU; my high school coach, Larry Parpart at Douglas Freeman High School; and longtime Henrico High School Coach Guy Davis.

Reason: Each individual has a knowledge of the game of basketball and the ability to teach and share that knowledge. Our program at Henrico is the product of those four gentlemen.

Biggest chance I’ve ever taken:

Switching teaching and coaching assignments from J.R. Tucker High School to Henrico High School. I was at a place at Tucker where I enjoyed going to work each day, but knew the potential to be a part of something really special at Henrico was a real possibility. I can’t imagine not being a part of the pride that has grown in the North Side over the past few years.

How I face the day: I get up each day and go to bed each night reading my daily devotional book. It gives me a sense of purpose, guidance and closure to my day.

Nobody knows that: Spending time with my family keeps me balanced and thankful. Playing golf and ping-pong are some of my favorite activities.

Best late-night snack: Country Style Donuts and a glass of chocolate milk.

The book that influenced me the most: “Daily Bread Devotions” by Dr. A. Purnell Bailey, a local minister at Reveille United Methodist Church.

My next goal: Help another group of students and players achieve their dreams by challenging them to work harder than they ever thought they could.