Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts 12 New Members

The Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, comprising twelve distinguished athletes and contributors to sports. The induction ceremony will take place on April 13, 2026, at the Von Braun Center, where honorees will be celebrated for their outstanding achievements in athletics.

Among the notable inductees is James Willis, a former linebacker for Auburn University who played seven seasons in the NFL before transitioning into coaching. Willis, a graduate of J.O. Johnson High School, has made significant contributions to the sport both as a player and a mentor. Another J.O. Johnson and Auburn alum, Donnie Humphrey, will also be honored. Humphrey was a member of Auburn’s 1983 SEC championship team and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers, leaving a lasting legacy before his passing in 2014.

The Class of 2026 features a diverse array of talent, including Olympic athletes and prominent figures in high school sports. Notably, Bechtel, a Grissom alum, made history as the first Olympian from Penn State, representing Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Currently, she holds two world records in Masters track.

Another inductee, Benson, spent 23 years as a sports writer for the Huntsville Times, focusing on local college teams such as Alabama A&M and UAH. His contributions have been vital in shaping sports journalism in the region.

Additionally, Cummings holds the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state record for assists from her time at Butler High School, where she won three consecutive state titles. Her impressive career highlights the exceptional talent emerging from local schools.

The induction class also includes Gordon, who was recognized in the Grambling State Hall of Fame as the program’s all-time leading receiver. His accolades further demonstrate the depth of talent being honored this year.

Another remarkable inductee is Hammonds, who had an All-American baseball career at Stanford and was a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles. He played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, including one All-Star selection, and represented the U.S. Olympic team in 1992.

In terms of football, Jones served as the head coach at Alabama A&M for 12 seasons, achieving an impressive record of 83 wins and 57 losses. He is celebrated as the second-winningest coach in the program’s history and has also enjoyed success as a player, winning a Super Bowl with Washington.

The sports community will also honor Thomas, a sports reporter for AL.com, who has dedicated his career to covering local athletics and has garnered recognition for his work in the field.

This diverse group of inductees reflects the rich athletic history of Huntsville and Madison County. The upcoming banquet at the Von Braun Center promises to be an inspiring celebration of achievement, recognizing both individual and collective contributions to the sporting landscape of the region.