Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame Unveils 2026 Inductees

The Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, featuring a diverse group of twelve inductees celebrated for their significant contributions to sports. The induction ceremony will take place on April 13, 2026, at the Von Braun Center, recognizing achievements that span from Olympic participation to collegiate success.

Among the distinguished inductees is James Willis, a former linebacker and coach at Auburn University. A graduate of J.O. Johnson High School, Willis enjoyed a seven-season career in the NFL before transitioning into coaching. He will be joined by fellow J.O. Johnson and Auburn alumnus Donnie Humphrey, a member of the 1983 SEC championship team, who was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Draft and sadly passed away in 2014.

The list of honorees includes former Olympian Yemi Aluko, who represented Nigeria in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. A star hurdler out of Grissom High School, Aluko made history as the first Olympian from Penn State, and she continues to excel in Masters track competitions, holding two world records.

Another notable inductee, Robert Bechtel, has significantly contributed to sports journalism as a Senior Editor for Sports Illustrated for over 25 years, focusing primarily on the NBA. His work has helped shape sports media narratives on a national level.

High school officiating will also be recognized, with Mike McCarthy being honored for his dedication as a high school official for over 35 years. He has officiated six state championships and currently serves as the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s State Football Coordinator of Officials.

The Hall of Fame will also honor individuals who have made an impact at the collegiate level. Alfred Cummings, who holds the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state record for assists, led Butler High School to three consecutive state titles in girls basketball. Meanwhile, Jesse Gordon, another J.O. Johnson alumnus, was recently inducted into the Grambling State Hall of Fame, where he remains the program’s all-time leading receiver.

The achievements of Steve Hammonds, who had an All-American baseball career at Stanford and was a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles, will also be celebrated. Hammonds spent 13 years in Major League Baseball, earning an All-Star selection and representing the U.S. Olympic team in 1992.

In coaching, Anthony Jones stands out with a twelve-season tenure as head football coach at Alabama A&M, achieving an impressive record of 83 wins and 57 losses, along with four division titles. His legacy includes a Super Bowl championship with Washington after an All-Conference career at Wichita State.

The induction ceremony will also acknowledge Kristen Thomas, a three-time All-American bowler at Alabama A&M, who led her team to an NCAA championship game appearance, and Rebecca Williams, recognized as one of the greatest softball players in Gulf South Conference history. Williams was a three-time All-State pick in high school and remains a celebrated figure in the halls of fame of both the Gulf South Conference and UAH.

The Hall of Fame banquet promises to be an inspiring event, celebrating the legacy of these athletes and their contributions to the sports community. As the date approaches, anticipation grows for the recognition of their achievements and the impact they have made in their respective fields.