Hall of Fame
Ray's teams had over 200 wins from 1986-to-1996 while posting five consecutive winning seasons. Spenilla led the Highland Cavaliers to the NAIA District 32 Championship in 1989 as the team took home the NAIA National Pitching Title that season. Winners of a school record 18 consecutive games in 1989, UVa-Wise followed up its title by claiming the 1990 District 32 crown. To date, it marks the only time in school history a men's program has claimed consecutive championships.
Spenilla's teams made district playoff appearances in 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994. Named District and Area Small College Coach of the Year 1989 he transitioned into athletic administration in 1996 before becoming athletic director in 2001.
As athletic director, Spenilla oversaw tremendous growth of all facets of the athletic department. Under his watch, the College saw the construction of a new baseball field (Burchell Stallard Field), a new softball field (Cavalier Field) along with numerous other updates to Carl Smith Stadium and other athletic facilities. In 2003, UVa-Wise received prestigious national recognition as it garnered the National Points of Light Daily Award which honors those groups that have made an effort to assist their communities through volunteering.
During his tenure, the Cavaliers hung 29 banners, denoting conference, regional and national success that included 14 championships.
