TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – In 1976, the Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame was established through the vision of athletic director Hansel E. Tookes, Sr. On September 18, FAMU will commemorate the 50th anniversary of that historic initiative\u2014 honoring the very best in Rattler athletics, from student-athletes and coaches to devoted supporters.<\/p>\n
The 50th Anniversary Class upholds that proud tradition of excellence, and we are honored to introduce the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026: <\/p>\n
Cross Country & Track & Field – Judith Kibii was a dominant force in distance running for the Lady Rattlers. She helped lead FAMU to four consecutive MEAC Cross Country Championships and earned All-MEAC honors seven times during her career. In one remarkable meet, Kibii\u2019s individual score of 23 points surpassed the total scores of four competing MEAC teams. <\/p>\n
Men\u2019s Tennis – Leroy Long made an immediate impact as a freshman and quickly emerged as a leader. Serving as team captain, he guided the Rattlers to three consecutive SIAC championships during his collegiate career. <\/p>\n
Football – William Evers was a four-year standout at defensive back, developing under the mentorship of Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Riley. A two-time All-MEAC selection, Evers went on to begin his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons. He has since returned to FAMU following a distinguished law enforcement career, including FBI training, and now serves as Deputy Chief of the FAMU Police Department. <\/p>\n
Tyrone McGriff, Jr. was a relentless presence on the defensive line. As an edge rusher, he consistently disrupted opposing offenses and ranked among the Top 5 in multiple national and FAMU statistical categories at the time of his departure. He carries on a proud legacy as the son of the late Tyrone McGriff Sr., a three-time FAMU All-American.<\/p>\n
Baseball – Sean Gilliam was a dual-sport athlete, excelling as a running back in football and a power hitte rin baseball. He held the MEAC single-season home run record for more than two decades. Before arriving at FAMU, Gilliam was part of the Tallahassee Babe Ruth team that became the first from the area to win the Babe Ruth World Series. He later spent several years in the New York Yankees organization. <\/p>\n
Coach – Brandi Tatum Fedrick dedicated more than 20 years to leading the FAMU cheer squad, elevating the program to national prominence. Her teams captured first place in MEAC Co-Ed competition in2015 and first overall in 2016. Under her leadership, FAMU cheerleading reached unprecedented heights and earned national recognition through collegiate competition. <\/p>\n
Supporter – Attorney Ben Crump has been a steadfast supporter of FAMU Athletics, contributing more than$150,000 alongside partner Daryl Parks. In 2025, he made the largest single donation in Hall of Fame history\u2014$15,000\u2014to establish \u201cThe Crump Gallery,\u201d a dynamic exhibit honoring FAMU legends. <\/p>\n
The FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 continues to build upon a legacy of excellence that spans five decades. From 1976 to 2026, the Hall of Fame proudly celebrates 50 years of honoring extraordinary contributors to Rattler athletics. This year\u2019s ceremony promises to be a memorable occasion on September 18, hosted by Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer Pam Oliver, herself a member of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2016.A distinguished group of Rattler greats is expected to return to \u201cThe Hill\u201d for this milestone celebration. <\/p>\n
Confirmed attendees \u2014 with more to be announced \u2014 include Andre Dawson (MLBMVP), Marquis Grissom (multiple MLB Gold Glove winner), Rey Robinson (Olympic sprinter), Vince Coleman (MLB All-Star), Greg Coleman (NFL punter), Henry \u201cKiller\u201d Lawrence (three-time Super Bowl champion with the Oakland Raiders), Albert Chester (two-time national championship quarterback), Natalie White (MEAC women\u2019s basketball standout), Shaunta Pelham (MEAC track record holder), Waite Bellamy (FAMU\u2019s all-time leading men\u2019s basketball scorer), Mike Gillespie (two-time MEAC champion and NCAA Tournament winner), Clemon Johnson (NBA champion), Terrence Woods (two-time NCAA three-point scoring champion),and more. Additional details surrounding the 50th Anniversary celebration of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame will be announced in May.<\/p>\n
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