The Knoxville High School Athletic Hall of Fame has announced their 2026 class.

2026 Hall of Fame Class Below:

Howard Elliott – Class of 1969 – Basketball – Elliott Averaged over 21 points per game as a senior, leading the Panthers to a conference title, and earning All State Honors along the way. 

Heidi Higgenbotham – Class of 1993 – Volleyball – Higgenbotham was a multi-sport standout, earning All-State honors in volleyball while helping the Panthers to a state semi-final appearance. 

Coach Joel Johnson – Coach Johnson had a notably successful career at KHS, winning over 500 baseball games. He led the Panthers to a State Championship, Thirteen state tournament appearances, and thirteen conference titles. 

1987 Boys State Runner-Up Track Team – The Panther squad, coached by Mike Cunningham, followed up their conference championship with a state runner-up finish. The team was comprised of Eric Peterson, Tony Galeazzi, Keith Fridlington, Marek Wensel, Dave Beary, Brian Kingery, Kevin Rowley, Ryan Ellis, and Phil Kloster. 

This year’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on December 12th.