The Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2026, featuring a diverse group of twelve inductees ranging from Olympians to prominent local high school athletes. The induction ceremony will take place on April 13, 2026, at the Von Braun Center, where the achievements of these sports figures will be celebrated.
Among those honored is James Willis, a former linebacker and coach for the Auburn Tigers. A graduate of J.O. Johnson High School, Willis enjoyed a successful seven-year career in the NFL before transitioning into coaching roles. Also being inducted is fellow alumnus Donnie Humphrey, who played a pivotal role on Auburn’s 1983 SEC championship team. Humphrey, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers, passed away in 2014, leaving behind a significant legacy in Alabama football.
The Class of 2026 also includes notable athletes such as a Grissom High School graduate who became the first Olympian in Penn State history, competing for Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This athlete continues to excel by participating in Masters track and holding two world records.
Another inductee, Bechtel, has made a name for himself as a Senior Editor at Sports Illustrated, where he has dedicated over 25 years to covering NBA stories. His contributions to sports journalism have been widely recognized.
The list of honorees further includes a distinguished high school official with over 35 years of experience, known for officiating six state championships. Currently, he serves as the State Football Coordinator of Officials for the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).
In addition, Benson, a long-time sports writer for the Huntsville Times, will be honored for his extensive coverage of Alabama A&M and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. A Prattville native, Benson graduated from Troy State and Alabama A&M.
The Class of 2026 also celebrates Cummings, who holds the AHSAA state record for assists following a remarkable basketball career at Butler High School. Cummings led her team to three consecutive state titles, showcasing her talent and leadership on the court.
Another inductee is Gordon, a J.O. Johnson graduate who recently joined the Grambling State Hall of Fame as the program’s all-time leading receiver. His contributions to the sport continued professionally in both the USFL and Canadian Football League.
The list continues with Hammonds, who has resided in Madison County for nearly 15 years following an All-American baseball career at Stanford. He was a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles and played in the Major Leagues for 13 years, including a stint on the U.S. Olympic team in 1992.
Additionally, Jones served as the head football coach at Alabama A&M for 12 seasons, achieving an impressive record of 83-57 and securing four division titles. He is celebrated as the second-winningest coach in the program’s history and gained recognition for winning a Super Bowl with the Washington team after an All-Conference career at Wichita State.
Lastly, one of the greatest softball players in Gulf South Conference history will be inducted. A Grissom alum, she was a three-time all-state pick in high school and later signed with the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she earned three All-American honors and is enshrined in both the Gulf South Conference and UAH halls of fame.
As the 2026 induction ceremony approaches, the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame looks to honor these remarkable athletes, whose contributions to sports have left an indelible mark on the community. The ceremony is expected to attract sports enthusiasts and community members eager to celebrate these accomplishments.
