Legendary Bulldogs Set to Enter Holmes Sports Hall of Fame
The stage is set for an unforgettable evening as six outstanding individuals are about to join the prestigious ranks of the Holmes Sports Hall of Fame. On Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m., the Frank Branch Coliseum on the Goodman Campus will come alive with excitement as the Class of 2026 is inducted into the hall of fame. This momentous occasion is the culmination of a day-long celebration that promises to be an unforgettable experience for the inductees, their families, and the entire Holmes Community College community.
A Distinguished Class of 2026
The six inductees, each with their unique achievements and contributions to the world of sports, are set to be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments. The class includes Neil Hitchcock, Charlie Smith, Terry Seals Jr., Darryl Macon, Chelsea Raines-Germany, and Rashad Williams. These individuals have not only made their mark on the athletic fields and courts of Holmes Community College but have also gone on to achieve greatness in their respective sports and beyond.
Unforgettable Careers and Achievements
Each inductee has a story to tell, and their achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for sports. Neil Hitchcock, a native of Mendenhall, had a storied football career at Holmes, earning All-State honors and playing in the All-State game. He went on to play for Delta State University, where he was named Most Improved Player and earned Academic All-American honors. Hitchcock’s coaching career spanned 17 years, during which he earned Coach of the Year honors multiple times.
Charlie Smith, a Canton native, was a force to be reckoned with on the football field and track. He earned All-American honors in football and helped his team win a state championship in the 220-yard dash. Smith’s athletic career took him to Abilene Christian University in Texas, where he was part of a national championship-winning team. He later earned a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate from Slidell Baptist Seminary, demonstrating his commitment to both sports and academics.
Terry Seals Jr., a Kosciusko native, played on the undefeated 1977 Kosciusko Whippets team and continued his football career at Holmes under coaches Quinby Morgan and A.J. Kilpatrick. He later played for Delta State University and even attended a tryout camp with the Houston Oilers in 1984. Seals’ journey is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the sport.
Darryl Macon, a Little Rock, Arkansas native, is a basketball sensation who earned junior college All-American honors after averaging 23 points per game as a freshman. He went on to play for the University of Arkansas and later entered the professional ranks, signing a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks and playing for the Miami Heat. Macon’s international career has taken him to clubs such as Galatasaray, AEK Athens, Panathinaikos, and UNICS Kazan, where he has earned numerous honors, including the 2021 Greek Super Cup.
Chelsea Raines-Germany, an Ackerman native, was a standout softball player for the Lady Bulldogs, earning the Academic Athletics Award and leading the team in doubles. Rashad Williams, a Jackson native, was a key player on one of the program’s first Bulldog soccer teams, earning co-Offensive MVP and Best Forward honors in 1999. Williams later earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in business administration from Belhaven University and an MBA from Jackson State University.
A Celebration to Remember
The Hall of Fame festivities will include a reception for inductees, a tour of athletic facilities on the Goodman campus, and visits with current Holmes student-athletes. The celebration will conclude with the banquet honoring the inductees at 6 p.m. in Frank Branch Coliseum. This will be an evening to remember, with alumni, family, and friends gathering to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals.
Additional Honors for Holmes Community College
In addition to the Hall of Fame induction, Steven Waggener (’02) will represent Holmes Community College as an inductee into the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame during a special ceremony in Pearl on April 28. This is a testament to the college’s rich athletic heritage and its commitment to producing talented and dedicated athletes.
Join the Celebration
Alumni, family, and friends are invited to attend the banquet, which promises to be an unforgettable evening. Tickets are $40 and go on sale February 14 through the Holmes Alumni online community at holmesccalumni.360alumni.com. For more information, contact the Holmes Alumni Office at kellard@holmescc.edu. This is an opportunity to be a part of history, to celebrate the achievements of these legendary Bulldogs, and to show support for the college’s athletic programs. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
