The Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame added 12 new members, bringing the total since 1991 to 440, on Monday at a banquet at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Spa Convention Center.
The Class of 2026 includes administrators, coaches and one selection from the “old timer” category. Those inducted were football coaches Jeff Smith and Larry Strain, basketball coaches Ricky Austin, Owen Butts, Anthony Leonard, Willie Maxey and Willie Moore, track coach Samuel Pettaway (from the old timer category) and administrators John Hardin, Kim Kiel and Joseph Pettway and the late Jamie Chapman.
The class was chosen at a meeting of the selection committee assembled by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association from 60 nominations.
Three members have served on the Alabama High School Athletic Association Central Board of Control – Chapman, Hardin, and Kiel.
Kiel, an assistant superintendent of Pelham City Schools and former coach, addressed the banquet for the new class. “On behalf of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026, I want to thank you. Thank you to the AHSAA, to the selection committee and to everyone who made tonight possible. This is truly an incredible honor, and one that none of us takes lightly,” Kiel said.
“I can tell you this is a humbling moment. When you look across this room and see the history, the tradition, and the people who have poured so much into high school athletics in this state, it makes you stop and reflect. Not just on wins or championships, but on the journey. Because the truth is, none of us got here alone.
“Every person being recognized tonight represents something much bigger than themselves. Behind each of us are coaches who pushed us, mentors who guided us, teammates and colleagues who walked alongside us, and families who sacrificed more than anyone will ever fully understand.”
Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame inducts 12 coaches, administrators in Class of 2026
