2026 INDUCTEES
2026 Inductee Highlights
Nathaniel Holmes’ Career Highlights
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’s Career Highlights
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’s Career Highlights
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’s Career Highlights
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’ Career Highlights
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’s Career Highlights
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 McClanahans Career Highlights
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’s Career Highlights
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.