Cincinnati Public Schools announces 2026 athletics hall of fame class

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The Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame will again induct 14 new alumni and coaching members plus an honorary member in its 2026 class. Separated into living athlete, coach and deceased athlete categories, the new class is comprised of Cincinnati Public graduates from 1897 to 2020.

"Celebrating these remarkable athletes and coaches allows us to honor a legacy built on grit, excellence, and character both in competition and in life," district athletics director Josh Hardin said in a release. "Cincinnati Public Schools has a deep tradition of producing leaders who elevate our entire community. It is a privilege to welcome back those who set the standard for our current student-athletes to follow."

The living-athlete class includes Antonio Broadnax (Aiken, 1997), Taylor Darks (Walnut Hills, 2015), Jude Johnson (C.A.P.E, 1989), Tonya Kirk (Aiken, 1992), Tiona Lattimore (Hughes, 2016), Jonnique Lawrence (Withrow, 2009), PaLaura Parker (Shroder, 2010), and Darryl Peterson Jr. (Western Hills, 2001).

The posthumous class includes Miller Huggins (Walnut Hills, 1897), Walter Laufer (East/Withrow, 1924), Henry Martin (Woodward, 1912), and Gary McCoy (Western Hills, 1976).

The coaching inductees are Charles "Doc" Gamble (football and basketball, Withrow) and Mark Mitchell (basketball, Taft and Western Hills).

"It means everything to me to be inducted in the CPS Hall of Fame," Gamble said in a release. "It is a tremendous honor. I'm so elated for our student-athletes, staff and myself for being recognized for the great work we did during my time at Withrow. I am still to this day very thankful for being given the opportunity to serve CPS students, to lead a program, to be in alignment with our school administration and the CPS vision and mission."

Brian Leshner, the former executive director of Activities Beyond the Classroom, is the honorary inductee.

The new hall of famers will be honored in a ceremony on Oct. 28 at TQL Stadium with a dinner and ceremony starting at 5 p.m. emceed by John Popovich. Tickets will be sold from Sept. 27 to Oct. 18 at cps-k12.org/halloffame .