Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Welcomes 8 New Inductees: The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) recently unveiled its 2024 class of inductees, featuring notable individuals such as a beloved former UAB basketball coach, the SEC’s inaugural All-American female gymnast, and a dynamic football star from the University of Alabama. Explore the details of this year’s distinguished ASHOF honorees.
401 Inductees in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame celebrates its 56th class since its establishment in 1969. The hallowed halls now boast a total of 401 athletes connected to the state of Alabama who have been honored for their outstanding contributions to the world of sports.
The eight newly elected inductees include:
Mike Anderson, former UAB Basketball Head Coach in the 2000s, steered the Blazers to the Sweet 16 in 2004, causing a major upset against Kentucky. His coaching journey extended beyond UAB, taking the helm at Missouri, Arkansas, and St. Johns. Anderson’s coaching prowess garnered recognition, earning him the title of Big East Coach of the Year in 2021 during his tenure at St. Johns. His impactful leadership left an indelible mark on the basketball landscape.
Penny Hauschild Buxton, a standout University of Alabama gymnast, made history as the first SEC gymnast to secure four NCAA titles. Her remarkable achievements, including two NCAA all-around championships in 1985 and 1986, earned her All-American honors ten times between 1983 and 1986.
Larry Chapman, the dedicated head coach of the Auburn University at Montgomery men’s basketball team for an impressive 37 years (1976-2014), notched significant milestones. With fifteen 20-win seasons in his career, Chapman’s 1987-88 team reached the pinnacle, posting a record of 32-3 and making it to the NAIA National Championship game.
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John Drew, a versatile star in high school, college, and the NBA, set the AHSAA scoring record at J.F. Shields HS in Monroe County. After an outstanding collegiate career at Gardner-Webb University, he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, earning All-Rookie Team and All-Star honors during his nine-year NBA tenure, concluding with 15,291 points and 5,088 rebounds.
Robert Mathis, a defensive standout at Alabama A&M, etched his name in history by setting the NCAA I-AA single-season sack record with an impressive 20 sacks. Selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2003 NFL Draft, Mathis played a pivotal role in the team’s Super Bowl victory in 2006. A five-time Pro Bowler, he holds the NFL record for most career forced fumbles (54), showcasing his dominance in his entire 14-year NFL career with the Colts.
David Palmer, a dynamic football player in Alabama Football history, left an indelible mark as the school’s first single-season 1,000-yard receiver. A key member of the Crimson Tide’s consensus National Championship team in 1992, Palmer’s versatility as a wide receiver, quarterback, and returner earned him a spot as a 1993 Heisman Trophy finalist. His impact extended to the NFL, where he played for the Minnesota Vikings for seven years.
Scott Sullivan, a walk-on to the Auburn University baseball team, showcased his pitching prowess at Plains for three years. Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, Sullivan set a club record by pitching at least 100 innings of relief every season from 1998-2001. His remarkable career includes ranking second in Reds franchise history with 494 pitching appearances.
Mike Washington, a Montgomery native and integral member of the Crimson Tide’s 1973 National Championship team, earned acclaim as an All-SEC and All-American player in 1973 and 1974. His nine-season tenure in Tampa Bay showcased his defensive prowess, concluding with 28 interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns.
Additionally, the ASHOF honored 1980s Alabama great Kerry Goode with their Distinguished Sportsman honor last week.
Celebrate sports in Alabama
Ready to celebrate the newest Hall of Famers? Mark your calendar for the 56th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony on May 4, 2024. The grand event will take place in the Birmingham Ballroom at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. Don’t miss this exciting occasion!