By Loyd McIntosh
The people spoke, and Homewood listened.
After a weeks-long nomination process, the inaugural class of the Homewood Athletics Hall of Fame has been made public, and it is, in a word, amazing.
The list of names reads like a Who’s Who of Homewood High School’s rich 54-year history of athletic excellence. The Hall of Fame will annually celebrate coaches, players and administrators who have made an impact on the community, beginning with the inaugural class who will be recognized at an induction ceremony later this fall.
“We are so proud to induct an elite group into our first Hall of Fame class. These individuals represent various sports, and our inductees span decades,” says Rick Baguley, Athletic Director for Homewood City Schools. “The Homewood Athletics Hall of Fame will give us the opportunity to annually celebrate and honor the rich tradition of elite athletes and coaches who have helped make Homewood successful.”
The 2026 Inductees
Leading the group is the legendary Bob Newton, whose five state titles and 124-24 record made him one of the most successful football coaches in Alabama history. His accomplishments earned him induction into the Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) Hall of Fame in 2007, and the field now bears his name—Bob Newton Field at Waldrop Stadium.
Gerald Gann, the longest-tenured head football coach in school history, guided the Patriots to six region titles and three state runner-up finishes, and also spent nine years as head coach of the girls’ basketball program.
Alvin Bressler holds a special place in Homewood history as the program’s first football coach, leading the Patriots to their first state championship in 1974, just two years after the school’s founding.
Dickey Wright built championships in two sports, serving as defensive coordinator for five state football titles while also winning five titles as head wrestling coach, developing 37 individual state champions along the way.
David Jones, part of the program since Homewood’s doors opened in 1971, remains the only staff member to have been part of all six state football championships and still helps coach the team today.
Susan Cook won two volleyball state championships and over 700 matches during her three-decade career. She also founded the area’s volleyball officials association and started the UAB volleyball program.
Tom Esslinger built a track and cross country dynasty at Homewood, capturing 31 state championships and earning national and regional Coach of the Year honors before moving on to Hewitt-Trussville and Samford University.
Tim Shepler spent nearly 30 years building the basketball program into a contender, reaching four Final Four and racking up 591 wins along the way. Colleagues say Shepler was defined by his quiet dedication to his players rather than seeking the spotlight.
The class also includes educator Michael Gross, Homewood High School’s first principal and later superintendent. Gross is credited as a driving force behind the school’s early athletics programs.
Robert Davis remains the only Mr. Football selection in school history, rushing for over 6,500 career yards before playing at LSU and UAB.
Evan Mathis starred on the football field and wrestling mat before a standout career at Alabama and an NFL career that included a Super Bowl championship with the Denver Broncos.
Chris Gray excelled at Homewood before moving on to Auburn and then a 15-year NFL career, mostly with Seattle, where he still holds the franchise record for consecutive starts.
Austin Hubbard led Homewood football to its only undefeated season in 2005 while also anchoring a baseball team that reached the program’s only Final Four appearance.
Aaron Ernest became an 11-time All-American sprinter at LSU after setting Homewood records in the 100m and 200m, later earning World Junior gold.
Katy Frierson, regarded as the best female soccer player to come out of Homewood, went on to All-American honors and a Hermann Trophy finalist nomination at Auburn before launching a professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Ronald Nored helped lead Homewood basketball before starring at Butler, reaching back-to-back NCAA title games and building an NBA coaching career. Nored was hired as Butler’s head coach in March and will begin his first season at the helm of his alma mater this fall.
Kiara Williams put together one of the most decorated track careers in school history, winning state titles in everything from the long jump to the heptathlon before earning multiple All-American honors at Alabama.
The Inaugural Homewood Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, at Rosewood Hall in the heart of Soho Square. Single tickets for the dinner and ceremony are $150, and tables of 10 are $1,500. Learn more at homewoodathletics.com.
