For more than 50 years, Homewood High School has boasted one of the most successful prep sports programs in the state. In 2026, Homewood will celebrate that legacy through the launch of the Homewood High School Athletics Hall of Fame (HHSHOF)—a new initiative that aims to celebrate the athletes, coaches and others who have made significant contributions to Homewood High School Athletics since the school opened its doors 54 years ago in 1972.
The HHSHOF is where great athletes and coaches, inspiring stories and monumental achievements will be celebrated and preserved for generations. Inductees will span every corner of the Patriots’ athletic program, from student-athletes and coaches to outstanding individuals who have helped establish Homewood High School Athletics standard of excellence.
“This Hall of Fame is about preserving and celebrating the stories, moments and people that helped build Homewood High School into what it is today,” says Homewood Athletic Director Rick Baguley. “For more than 50 years, countless individuals have poured their time, passion and heart into our programs, and this is an opportunity to honor them in a lasting way.”
The HHSHOF selection committee is made up of individuals with deep ties and knowledge of Homewood High School Athletics and its history, according to a statement issued by Homewood High School. This selection committee will review nominations and help determine each Hall of Fame class.
Nominations for the inaugural class are being accepted now and will remain open through July 1. Community members, alumni, former players, coaches, parents and supporters are encouraged to submit nominations along with a resumé of accomplishments and letters of recommendation outlining why the nominee deserves to be inducted.
Nominees will be evaluated on a range of criteria reflecting both their competitive achievements and broader contributions to Homewood Athletics. Criteria include collegiate and professional experience and individual or team championships at the conference, state, national or international level. Additionally, record-breaking performances, academic achievements, years of dedicated service and any honors or awards bringing distinction to Homewood athletics will be considered.
Eligibility requirements vary by category. Athletes must be Homewood High School graduates who competed for at least two years and are a minimum of 10 years removed from graduation. Coaches must have served at Homewood for at least five years and been retired from full-time coaching for at least five years. Contributors must demonstrate sustained involvement with Homewood Athletics and a meaningful, lasting impact on the growth and success of its programs.
Homewood High School has produced many athletes who went on to successful collegiate and professional careers in a variety of sports, including recognizable names like Robert Davis, Mr. Football Alabama 1991 and a standout at LSU and UAB; Chris Gray, a 1988 HHS graduate and NFL lineman for Miami, Chicago and Seattle; Ronald Nored, a 2009 graduate, basketball player and recently named head basketball coach for his alma mater Butler University and Katy Freels (née, Frierson), a soccer player for Auburn University and Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The inaugural Hall of Fame class will be announced during an induction ceremony on October 1, at SoHo and will be honored during the Patriots’ home football game against Calera on October 2. To nominate a candidate, visit https://bit.ly/HHSHOF.
