Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame
The Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame (MCSHOF) had its beginning September 1988. The Hall’s mission, in brief, is to develop a sports hall of fame for Morgan County as a means to promote and preserve its rich history of sports. Morgan County boasts an amazing sports history, dating to the early 1900’s.
Honoring the Legacy, Inspiring the Future!
“Great athletes are not just remembered for their victories, but for the legacy they leave behind.”
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Join us at the annual induction banquet to celebrate Morgan County’s finest athletes and coaches. Secure your tickets today and be part of the celebration.
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Sponsor a golf team at our annual tournament and contribute to the preservation of our local sports history. It’s a fun way to give back and connect with fellow sports enthusiasts.
Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
Morgan Hall of Fame names Class of 2026
It’s been several years since Rhea Greenwell drove a car racing at high speed towards a finish line.
The 84-year-old Decatur native did cross a finish line earlier this week when he was elected to the 2026 Class of the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame.
“I was happy just to be nominated, but to be in the Hall of Fame is really special. It’s a great honor,” Greenwell said.
The Decatur High graduate brings an impressive resume to the Hall of Fame. He starred for the Red Raiders in football, basketball and track. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he returned to Decatur to help with the family business. Stock car racing became a hobby and eventually led to him racing at Daytona International Speedway in 1971.
The 36th Class of the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame will be inducted on June 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. Joining Greenwell in the class are Gary Knotts, Nathaniel Holmes, Mark McClanahan, Kenneth Cole, Billy Don Sharp, Leigh Anna McDaniel Trimble and Judge Glenn Thompson.
Knotts graduated from Brewer in 1995 and was drafted that summer by the Florida Marlins. He pitched in the major leagues for four seasons with the Marlins and Detroit Tigers.
“This is awesome. I’m extremely honored to be selected,” Knotts said. “This is certainly something that you never expect.”
McClanahan made his mark in both basketball and baseball. He was a star guard on Austin’s 1973 Class 4A state championship team. McClanahan played baseball at Auburn and pitched for the Tigers’ 1976 SEC championship team that advanced to the College World Series.
“I’m excited and proud to represent our state championship basketball team in the Hall of Fame,” McClanahan said.
McClanahan will be the fourth member of that Austin team to be inducted. He joins Billy “Dog” Sandifer, Marvin Sales and Rickie Stukes.
Holmes was one of the first Blacks to play football and basketball at Decatur High in 1967. The star running back was also the first Black to play football at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he received All-American honors.
“It’s been a long time since I played sports in Decatur,” Holmes said. “It’s really special to be honored by the place where it all started for me.”
Cole anchored the Decatur Red Raider defense in the mid-1970s. The nose guard was a Super All-State selection in 1976. Cole played linebacker in college at Vanderbilt.
Sharp played center on Priceville’s 1965 state championship basketball team. He played in college at Calhoun and Saint Bernard.
Trimble starred on the 1994 Austin girls basketball team that advanced to the Class 6A state finals. She played in college at Northwest Shoals and North Alabama.
Thompson is well known in Morgan County for his career as a lawyer and then a judge. He did play football and basketball at what was then Morgan County High School before walking on for one season of football at the University of Alabama. Thompson has been a major contributor for many years to the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame as a board member.
Article by: David Elwell
Nathaniel Holmes
Nathaniel Holmes, 74, was one of the first Blacks to play football and basketball at Decatur High in 1967. The star running back then became the first Black to play at Tennessee-Martin. Holmes earned conference and All-American honors at UTM. In 1988 he was inducted into the UTM Sports Hall of Fame.
Leigh Anna Trimble
Leigh Anna McDaniel Trimble, 49, the Austin graduate helped spark the 1994 Black Bears girls to the Class 6A girls basketball state championship game. She was a first-team All-State selection after earning MVP honors at the Northwest Regional. Trimble played in college at Northwest Shoals and North Alabama.
Kenny Cole
Kenneth Cole, 66, received Super All-State honors in 1976 playing nose guard for Decatur Red Raiders. That season he recorded 116 tackles, nine quarterback sacks and six fumble recoveries. He went on to play linebacker in college at Vanderbilt where he received SEC All-Academic honors.
Judge Glenn Thompson
Glenn Thompson, 73, first made his mark playing football and basketball at Morgan County High School. He was a walk-on tight end for one season at Alabama before deciding to devote his time to prepare for his eventual career as a lawyer and judge. He’s spent nearly 50 years as a member of the film crew for Hartselle High football.
Gary Knotts
Gary Knotts, 48, began his professional baseball career journey after being drafted in the 11th round of the 1995 MLB draft. The Brewer graduate made his major league debut in 2001 with the Marlins. In 2003, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. He played four seasons in the MLB before injuries ended his career.
Rhea Greenwell
Rhea Greenwell, 85, starred in football, basketball and track at Decatur High. In his senior season in 1957, Greenwell’s football skills earned him All-State and honorable mention All-American selections. From 1965-1971, Greenwell enjoyed a successful stock car racing career that included competing at Daytona International Speedway.
Mark McClanahan
Mark McClanahan, 71, played on a state championship basketball team at Austin in 1973 and on a Southeastern Conference championship baseball team at Auburn in 1976. He was a point guard for the Black Bears and a pitcher for the Tigers, who advanced to the College World Series.
Billy Don Sharp
Billy Don Sharp, 77, was the starting center on Priceville’s 1965 state championship basketball team that beat Lineville 40-39 for the Class 2A state championship. Sharp played in college at Calhoun and Saint Bernard. He went on to a long career as a teacher and coach.
NOMINATE
Know someone deserving of recognition? Submit a nomination based on the criteria below and help us honor the legends of Morgan County sports.
WAIT
Once nominations close, our selection committee will carefully review all submissions and choose the next class of inductees. Stay tuned!
CELEBRATE
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor the newest inductees and celebrate the rich sports legacy of Morgan County!
SELECTION PROCESS
How do I nominate someone for induction into the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame?
Selection of all Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame inductees shall be the responsibility of the Board. Individual members will introduce nominees for consideration at the annual November meeting and the vote will be taken at the next month’s meeting. Election of all inductees shall be by majority vote of the Board.
Please send your nomination to the following address:
Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame
PO Box 326, Hartselle, Alabama 35640
To be eligible to be selected as an inductee into the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame a candidate must be:
