The Memphis Sports Hall of Fame welcomed an impressive Class of 2026, celebrating athletes and coaches who have made a lasting impact on the Bluff City and beyond. Headlining the class is former Memphis Tigers basketball coach John Calipari, joined by softball standout Chelsea Bramlett, baseball star Stubby Clapp, tennis champion Phil Chamberlain, Super Bowl champion Stephen Gostkowski, football standout Tim Harris, NBA All-Star Larry Kenon, and football coach Bobby Alston and contributor Roosevelt Hancock.
Listen to Thursday's (9/17) segment from J&J discussing the awards ceremonoy on 92.9 FM ESPN:
The class was inducted September 16 at the Renasant Convention Center, with Larry Rea receiving the John Stamm/JJ Guinozzo Legacy Award. Listen to the 2025 Tribute Show to Larry Rea from 790 AM The Bet WMC-AM from last Fall. AUDIO:
September 17, 2026 - University of Memphis Press Release
Memphis Athletics Celebrates Five Hall of Fame Inductees
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Five University of Memphis legends were inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night, celebrating their contributions to the rich history of Memphis athletics.
Former Memphis men's basketball head coach John Calipari, former men’s tennis standout Phil Chamberlain, former football kicker Stephen Gostkowski, former football standout Tim Harris and former men’s basketball standout Larry Kenon were among the nine members of the 2026 Memphis Sports Hall of Fame class.
The Memphis Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements and contributions have helped shape the sports history of the Memphis community. The 2026 induction ceremony took place at the Renasant Convention Center.
Calipari served as head coach of the Memphis men's basketball program from 2000-09, leading the Tigers to sustained national prominence. During his tenure, Memphis made nine consecutive postseason appearances including four Sweet 16’s and three Elite Eights, while dominating Conference USA. Calipari is the winningest coach in the history of Memphis basketball.
Chamberlain played tennis at Memphis from 1973-76. In 1974, he won the NCAA Southern Doubles Championship alongside teammate Keith West. Chamberlain helped lead the Tigers to the 1976 Metro Conference championship, winning both the singles and doubles titles. He was ranked as high as No. 18 nationally during his collegiate career. Chamberlain later returned to Memphis as the men's tennis head coach from 1999-2004, compiling a 100-59 record and coaching 10 All-Conference selections.
Gostkowski finished his Memphis career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 369 points. He earned All-Conference First-Team honors in 2004 and 2005 and was named Conference USA’s Special Teams Player of the Year in 2005. He also played baseball at Memphis before being selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Harris played both defensive end and linebacker for the Tigers from 1982-85. Known as one of the most ferocious pass rushers in school history, he recorded a school record of 31 sacks and was part of the nation’s top-ranked defense in 1984 and 1985. Harris was a three-time All-Metro Conference selection and led the defense during a period that laid the groundwork for future Tiger defensive traditions.
Kenon played one season at Memphis in 1972-73 and was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. He averaged 20.1 points and 16.7 rebounds per game, setting a Memphis single-season record for rebounds per game. Kenon recorded 25 double-doubles in 30 games and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA championship game.
Audacy's Larry Rea posthumously awarded Stamm/Guinozzo Legacy Award
Audacy's Larry Rea posthumously awarded Stamm/Guinozzo Legacy Award
