COMMERCE – The 2026 East Texas A&M University Athletics Hall of Fame class has been announced on Tuesday afternoon along with the newest inductee into the Hall of Honor and this year's Bobby Fox Award recipient.
 
This year's athletics Hall of Fame class features former football players David Bryant and Kit Morton as well as volleyball player Jordan Neal, women's basketball player Katedria Mosley, men's basketball player Darrell Williams, and men's track and field athlete J.R. Hanley. 
 
Rene' Griffin will be inducted into the Hall of Honor, while Damon Barnett is the recipient of the prestigious Bobby Fox Award. 
 
2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
The 2026 Lion Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony is set for 11 a.m. inside the Conference Rooms at the Rayburn Student Center on October 24 prior to the Lion Football team playing Prairie View A&M.
 
Tickets for the ceremony can now be purchased HERE. All past inductees interested in attending the ceremony should contact Associate Athletics Director of Development Tre' Johnson (tre.johnson@etamu.edu) for more information.
 
Membership in the Lion Athletics Hall of Fame is limited to former Lion student-athletes, coaches, and athletics administrators. Student-athletes must have completed their eligibility 10 years prior to nomination, while coaches and administrators must have served East Texas A&M for a minimum of five years. In addition, the nominee must be a person of such integrity, character, and sportsmanship that the East Texas A&M family will be inspired by the recognition.
 
Full list of honorees in the Lion Athletics Hall of Fame can be found HERE.
 
2026 LION ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CLASS
David Bryant, Football, 1975-77

• David Bryant's storied career is highlighted by his exceptional achievements on the field. In 1977, he was honored as a First Team All-American by the NAIA and secured a place on the Second Team by the Associated Press (AP). He earned the title of First Team All-Lone Star Conference (LSC) in the same year, following consecutive selections to the Second Team All-LSC in 1975 and 1976. He also played a pivotal role in the team's success, which saw the Lions secure 20 victories over three years.

J.R. Hanley, Men's Track & Field, 1982-83

• As a two-time First Team All-American, Hanley demonstrated a level of excellence that few have attained. He earned a second-place finish at the National Championships in 1983 and a third-place finish in 1982 in the discus. In addition to his national success, he was named the Lone Star Conference Outstanding Field Athlete of the Year in 1983. 

Kit Morton, Football, 1988-89

• Morton's career began in 1988, a year that saw him named a First Team All-American Defensive End by the Eastman Kodak Coaches' College Division. Additionally, Morton was honored as an Honorable Mention All-American by Associated Press in the Little colleges category. His consistent excellence was also acknowledged through his selection as a two-time Second Team All-Conference player.

Katedria Mosley, Women's Basketball, 2004-08 

• Mosley's journey began with a remarkable accolade as the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Freshman of the Year in the 2004-05 season, she earned the recognition of Second Team All-LSC in the 2007-08 season and an Honorable Mention All-LSC in the 2005-06 season. Mosley's legacy is further cemented by her standing as the all-time rebounding leader with an impressive 865 rebounds, and as the all-time leader in blocks with 126. Her scoring ability is equally noteworthy, as she ranks second all-time with 1,602 points. Her endurance and commitment are reflected in her ranking as second all-time in minutes played, totaling 3,371 minutes on the court. Additionally, she is fifth in all-time steals, amassing 190 steals throughout her career.

Jordan Neal, Volleyball, 2010-13

• Jordan Neal's tenure as a student-athlete is highlighted by an array of accolades. A 2013 Honorable Mention All-America, Neal's skill and leadership on the court were further recognized with a First Team All-Region honor the same year. Neal's exemplary performance as a setter was celebrated in 2013 with the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Setter of the Year award and a First Team All-LSC selection. Throughout a remarkable collegiate career, Neal consistently demonstrated excellence and resilience, earning Second Team All-LSC honors in 2010-12. Neal's ability to orchestrate the offense is evidenced by holding the program record for assists, amassing an impressive 4,503 over her career. Additionally, Neal's service prowess placed her fourth in program history with 133 aces.  

Darrell Williams, Men's Basketball, 2014-15

• Williams's achievements include being named a 2014-15 First Team All-American by Daktronics and a Second Team All-American by BennettRank.com. His prowess on the court earned him the titles of 2014-15 TABC Small College Player of the Year and South Central Regional Player of the Year. Furthermore, Williams was recognized as a First Team All-Region selection and received the prestigious Lone Star Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards. Williams not only secured a First Team All-Conference spot but also dominated the Lone Star Conference Tournament, earning the title of Tournament MVP. His remarkable scoring ability placed him 10th in program history for both single-season and career scoring averages, in addition to ranking seventh in career minutes played, reflecting his endurance and consistent performance on the court.

2026 HALL OF HONOR
Rene' Griffin

• Rene' Griffin, a native of Commerce and a 1975 graduate of East Texas A&M University, has been a steadfast supporter of the institution since 1960. Over the past 65 years, Griffin's presence has been a constant at every Lion Football homecoming game, exemplifying his enduring commitment to the university community. Griffin's legacy will be cemented with the construction of the Rene' Griffin Event Center, scheduled for completion in early 2027. This state-of-the-art facility, set to become the premier multi-use event space in Northeast Texas. His remarkable generosity supports a variety of new projects and programs at East Texas A&M University, having made the largest philanthropic gift in school history. 

2026 BOBBY FOX AWARD WINNER
Damon Barnett

• Damon Barnett is being recognized as this year's Bobby Fox Award winner for his significant contributions and achievements in the realm of basketball coaching. A graduate of East Texas A&M, Barnett's illustrious career includes being the head coach for two state championship winning teams. He has been to the state tournament over four times during his tenure at Dallas Madison High School and Little Elm High School. His remarkable achievements include winning the 3A State Championship at Dallas Madison High School in 2017 and later capturing the 6A Division II State Championship in 2026. In addition to his championship successes, Barnett's exceptional coaching abilities were recognized when he was named the Star Local Media Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season.