The Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its induction class for 2026, featuring twelve distinguished athletes and contributors to sports. The ceremony will take place on April 13, 2026, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This year’s inductees include a range of individuals from Olympic athletes to celebrated high school stars, reflecting the area’s rich athletic heritage.
Among the honorees is James Willis, a former linebacker and coach at Auburn University. A graduate of J.O. Johnson High School, Willis enjoyed a successful seven-season career in the NFL before transitioning into coaching. He is joined by fellow J.O. Johnson and Auburn alum Donnie Humphrey, who was a member of Auburn’s 1983 SEC championship team. Humphrey was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and tragically passed away in 2014.
Another notable inductee is Nicole Bechtel, a Grissom High School graduate who made history as the first Olympian from Penn State, competing for Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Bechtel is now a world record holder in Masters track.
The Hall of Fame also recognizes significant contributors to the local sports community. Richard Jones, a long-serving high school official, has dedicated over 35 years to officiating, including six state championships. He currently serves as the State Football Coordinator of Officials for the Alabama High School Athletic Association (ASHAA).
In addition, Mike Benson has made his mark as a sports writer for the Huntsville Times, focusing on Alabama A&M and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) throughout his 23-year career.
The women’s sports scene is well represented as well. Jessica Cummings, who holds the AHSAA state record for assists, led Butler High School to three consecutive state titles. Another prominent inductee is Devin Gordon, recognized as the all-time leading receiver at Grambling State, who played professionally in both the USFL and Canadian leagues.
The class also includes Brian Hammonds, a standout baseball player at Stanford, who was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Hammonds enjoyed a 13-year Major League Baseball career, highlighted by an All-Star selection and participation in the 1992 Olympic Games.
The induction ceremony will celebrate not only individual achievements but also the collective impact these athletes have had on their sports and communities. The Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame continues to honor the legacy of local sports figures who inspire future generations.
This event promises to be a significant gathering for sports enthusiasts and the local community, showcasing the talent that has emerged from the region. Tickets and further details for the banquet are expected to be available soon, providing an opportunity for fans to engage with the honorees and celebrate their remarkable stories.
