Gates County High School made history this fall with the launch of its Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring an inaugural class of 13 outstanding athletes, coaches, and championship teams who have defined generations of Red Baron pride.
The festivities began with a heartwarming reception, where inductees, families, and community members reconnected and shared stories of triumph, perseverance, and teamwork. The formal program of recognition celebrated not just wins and records, but also the lasting impact these individuals have had on Gates County and beyond. The excitement reached its peak during the halftime ceremony of the Hall of Fame Game on September 5, when the Red Barons took on KIPP Pride and the honorees were formally enshrined before a packed crowd.
Among the most touching moments was seeing the legendary 1971 undefeated football team and the 1986–87 Girls Basketball team reunite. Watching these champions laugh, reminisce, and relive their glory days together reminded everyone in attendance that sports are about more than competition, they’re about lifelong bonds, shared history, and community spirit.
The inaugural Hall of Fame class included trailblazers Antonio Davis, Jessie Britt, Thomas Smith, Devane Harvey, Quinton Ballard, Eric Knight, Mary Lamb-Bowman, and Lulu Eure, legendary coaches Leon “Pete” Smoak, Willie “Doc” Williams, and Elton Winslow, as well as the previous mentioned two unforgettable championship squads who remain pillars of Red Baron tradition.
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Gates County community, Gates County Schools, Gates County Community Partnership, the Gates County High School Athletic Booster Club, and the Gates County Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. Their vision, hard work, and dedication ensured that the stories of these athletes and coaches will inspire future generations for years to come.