Vince Payne

Vince was born and raised in West Virginia. He was active as a child and spent his time between family, friends and sports. There was nothing more important to Vince than family. Vince loved all sports, but he especially enjoyed playing basketball. He was advised to stop playing contact sports which was difficult for him to accept.  

After high school, Vince attended Marshall University. His love and passion for sports led him to pursue a Major in Sports Broadcasting and Communications. His love of sports, trivia, and facts combined with his remarkable memory helped him succeed as a play-by-play man. Vince did play-by-play for WMUL, the campus radio station and because of his natural instincts to be a leader, he would later become station manager. Vince's broadcast and public relations career include over 120 of national, regional and state awards with a focus in sports, news and public relations. He inspired a generation of future broadcasters. While at Marshall, he also had many other jobs, including working for one of the local news stations. In his free time, he enjoyed hanging out with friends, attending Marshall sporting events, playing softball, basketball, and volleyball. 

Vince graduated from Marshall University with a B.A. and M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communications. After completing an internship with the University of Florida Vince moved to Columbus, Ohio. Before starting at Hamilton Vince was an Account Executive (Advertising & Publishing) with AT&T and a Freelance Play-by-Play Announcer. 

While at Marshall, Vince met his wife Lisa. They married and had two children, Tyler in 2011 and Danielle in 2014. He loved his family so much that he decided to put sports broadcasting on the back burner and instead focus on a more family friendly career. 

Vince started working at Hamilton as Director of Public Relations during the 2008-2009 school year. His love of people, love for sports, his bright personality, broadcasting voice, and willingness to help others helped him become one of Hamilton’s most “recognizable rangers.” Vince loved the Hamilton Community and genuinely enjoyed his job. He frequented sporting events and other community/school events to snap photos and post accolades on Twitter and Facebook. He was an integral member in establishing Hamilton’s recognition as a Greater Columbus Top Work Place. He had so much pride for all that HLSD did and he was passionate about making certain everyone knew of the district, staff, student, and community accomplishments. 

While at Hamilton Vince coached freshman volleyball, created and maintained the HLSD website; operated all district social media platforms; answered community questions; published all district articles and reports; emceed district ceremonies; delivered district presentations to the alumni association; created, edited, and published district videos; and fostered amazing relationships with print and broadcast media outlets. Vince was also recognized for being the voice of the community. It was Vince’s voice that thrilled all Rangers on cold and snowy mornings when his early recorded call granted that always-appreciated snow day.   

Vince also helped with organizing and promoting the annual Volley for the Cure match. During basketball season he was the chief organizer for the annual Autism Shootout. He packed the cafeteria with oversized activities for kids and packed the gym with fans who often volunteered to pay double or triple for the cause he promoted. Finally, it was Vince’s relentless, yearly operation of Holiday Help in which he stands tallest. He spent months securing donations from businesses throughout Central Ohio to make sure dozens of families had what they needed, often delivering packages to them on Christmas Eve. Vince enjoyed this tradition so much and often made it a family affair. 

While Vince’s technical training allowed him to do what could be the work of an entire team, it was his altruism in lifting others that completely sets him apart. Vince gave his own time outside of the school day to photograph students as they competed at sports and musical events and when they presented their academic success at awards ceremonies and conferences around Central Ohio. 

Vince’s dedication to promoting Hamilton students was surpassed only by his supportive relationships with them. Vince knew the students and they knew him, too. They knew when they saw a camera from about seven feet high they would be talking to the tall man who always encouraged them. 

From early on Vince was known for believing in, supporting and encouraging others. He truly exemplified Every Ranger…Every Reason…Every Day. The Payne Family is honored to accept this Ranger Athletic Award of Merit on his behalf. We thank everyone in the Ranger Community for this honor and for accepting Vince into your Ranger Family. Go Rangers!