KC to induct 2026 athletics hall of fame class Sept. 26
Kilgore College will honor former athletes, coaches and contributors during its annual Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, set for Sept. 25-26.
Kilgore College will honor former athletes, coaches and contributors during its annual Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, set for Sept. 25-26.
The weekend will begin with a benefit golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 25, at Tempest Golf Club in Gladewater benefitting the KC Foundation.
The Hall of Fame Induction Brunch is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Devall Ballroom on the Kilgore campus.
The weekend will also include recognition of the 1966 national championship football team's diamond anniversary, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Rangers' undefeated 2001 season.
Proceeds from Hall of Fame brunch will benefit KC student-athletes.
For more information, contact Courtney Pruitt at (903) 988-7536 or cpruitt@kilgore.edu.
KC Hall of Fame inductees for 2026
Bianca Van Vlerah (Gary)
Softball
Van Vlerah played at KC during the 2014-15 seasons, where she posted a .358 batting average and .423 on-base percentage. She continued her career at UT Tyler, earning All-Conference honors and was a member of the Patriots to the 2016 NCAA Division III National Championship.
Stefan Moody
Men's Basketball
Moody played at KC during the 2013-14 season, where he earned NJCAA All-Region XIV honors, before transferring to Ole Miss. At Ole Miss, he became one of the top scorers in the nation, earning two-time first-team All-SEC honors and averaging 19.9 points per game for his career, including 23.6 points per game as a senior. He went on to a professional career with teams in Turkey, Greece, Spain and China.
Danyell Oliver
Women's Basketball
Oliver was one of the top scorers in the nation at KC, averaging 20.2 points per game and ranking seventh nationally. She earned All-Region XIV and All-Conference honors before continuing her career at Louisiana-Lafayette.
2008-09 Lady Rangers
Women's Basketball Team
The Lady Rangers finished 23-7 under head coach Roy Thomas and assistant coach Brad Tindel. The 2008-09 team had one of the best season records in program history, reaching the Region 14 tournament finals.
J.J. Eckert
Football Coach
Eckert served as head coach at KC from 2007-18, compiling a 72-53 record. He led the Rangers to two SWJCFC championships, three conference titles and five bowl appearances, earning conference Coach of the Year honors in 2018. He also served as offensive coordinator from 2001-04, including the undefeated 2001 team that finished as national runner-up and captured a conference title.
Pat and Carla Nault
Contributor Award
The Naults are being honored for founding Hoops Troops, an organization that connects KC basketball players with local families. Their efforts have created a strong support system for student-athletes, fostering community involvement and enhancing the college experience for players.
Daniel Chapell
Football
Chapell earned NJCAA All-American honors at KC (2000-01) before continuing his career at Sam Houston State and Pittsburg State. At Pittsburg State, he earned All-American recognition as a kicker during the 2002 season.
Stacy Crews (Smith)
Spirit of Excellence Award
Crews was a member of KC's 1989-90 women's basketball national championship team and went on to a distinguished coaching career. She retired from Gilmer High School as athletic coordinator, leading programs to 11 state track championships and 24 cross country titles, including success coaching at Spring Hill.