Gatesville, N.C. – Gates County High School has announced the 12 members of its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class, recognizing an accomplished group of former student-athletes and longtime supporters whose contributions have strengthened Red Baron athletics across several generations.
The class includes basketball standout and current coach Kaila Ballard, softball star Jalisa Bradley Parrish, football standouts William Hinton, Steve Milam, Walter Odom, Ed Outland, and Steve Tinkham, along with supporters Kaye Barker, Danny Byrum, Johnny Savage, Perry Tyler, and John Ward.
The inductees will be honored during the 2026 Hall of Fame celebration, culminating with the Hall of Fame football game against Northside High School on Friday, September 18.
“This year’s class reflects the full meaning of an athletic hall of fame,” said Gates County High School Principal and Hall of Fame Committee member Jonathan Hayes. “We are honoring individuals who excelled in competition, represented Gates County at the collegiate level, and continued to serve our school long after their playing days ended. Their stories are an important part of our history, and they provide powerful examples for the students who represent Gates County High School today.”
Ballard and Parrish represent excellence in women’s athletics
Kaila Ballard, a 2016 Gates County High School graduate, established herself as one of the most accomplished basketball players in school history. She was a three-time conference Player of the Year, earned first-team All-District honors, was named to the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Christmas Tournament All-Tournament Team, and received team Most Valuable Player recognition.
During her high school career, Ballard helped produce a remarkable 45–1 conference record. She did not participate in sports during her senior year after accepting a basketball scholarship to Liberty University and later completed college at North Carolina A&T State University.
Ballard returned to the region as a coach, serving at Central Middle School and West Craven High School. She is now the head girls basketball coach at Gates County High School and led the Lady Red Barons to the 2A state semifinals in 2026.
Jalisa Bradley Parrish, a 2007 graduate, was a three-sport athlete and one of the school’s premier softball players. She was named the 2007 Conference Player of the Year and was a member of the Gates County teams that reached the state final four in both 2005 and 2007.
Parrish received a full athletic scholarship to Tennessee State University, where she started at catcher for four seasons and served as team captain during her senior year.
Football standouts carried Red Baron tradition to college
Five members of the class were selected for their achievements in football, including several leaders of Gates County’s highly successful teams of the early 1970s.
William Hinton, a 1975 graduate, received honorable mention All-East recognition as a junior and was named first-team All-East during his senior season. He was a member of the 1973 team that advanced to the Eastern Regional Finals. Hinton continued his football career at Chowan Junior College and East Carolina University.
Steve Milam, a 1974 graduate, was also a member of the 1973 Eastern Regional finalist team. A first-team All-State selection, Milam caught 52 passes and scored 12 touchdowns while also handling field-goal duties. He later received an invitation to walk on at the University of Alabama under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
Walter Odom, a 1975 graduate, earned All-East honors in 1974 and played on the 1973 Eastern Regional finalist team. He went on to play football at North Carolina Central University from 1975 through 1978.
Ed Outland, a 1974 graduate, played on Gates County’s 1971 state championship football team as a sophomore. As a senior, he earned first-team All-State honors, scored 25 touchdowns and rushed for 1,400 yards while helping lead the 1973 team to the Eastern Regional Finals. Outland later played at Chowan Junior College and North Carolina State University.
Steve Tinkham, also a 1974 graduate, was the quarterback of the 1973 Eastern Regional finalist team and earned All-State recognition. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played quarterback for the junior varsity team. Tinkham was also invited to try out for the Cincinnati Reds.
Supporters recognized for decades of service
The 2026 class also honors five supporters whose service has been essential to Gates County High School athletics.
Kaye Barker, a 1969 graduate, has supported Red Baron athletics in numerous roles over several decades. She has served as a “team mom” for multiple sports, tutored student-athletes and founded and led the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Gates County High School. Barker was also instrumental in the creation and launch of the Gates County High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Danny Byrum, a 1969 graduate who attended Pitt Community College and East Carolina University, has served as a football spotter in the press box since 1996. He has been an annual sponsor of the Gates County High School Athletic Booster Club.
Johnny Savage, a 1978 graduate and East Carolina University alumnus, has been the public-address announcer for Gates County High School football since 1996. His voice has become a familiar part of the Friday night experience for generations of Red Baron players and fans. He has been a consistent sponsor of the Gates County High School Athletic Booster Club.
Perry Tyler, a 1975 graduate who attended East Carolina University, has also served in the football press box since 1996, operating the game clock. He has been an annual sponsor of the Gates County High School Athletic Booster Club.
John Ward, a 1987 graduate who attended North Carolina State University, has been a significant supporter of Gates County High School athletics while also building an award-winning career in sports television production. Ward has received 15 Sports Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. His professional accomplishments include producing NFL coverage and working three Super Bowls, 10 World Series, four Stanley Cup Finals, and multiple Daytona 500 races.
Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Director of Gates County Community Partnership, a local non-profit, and Hall of Fame Committee member, said the newest class demonstrates the depth of the school’s athletic heritage.
“I am extremely excited about the 2026 Hall of Fame Class and grateful for the opportunity to remain engaged in this important initiative,” Saunders said. “This group includes extraordinary athletes who competed at the highest levels, as well as supporters whose service made it possible for generations of young people to succeed. Honoring them preserves our history, strengthens community pride, and reminds our current students that excellence and service can leave a lasting legacy.”
The Athletic Hall of Fame was launched in 2025 to recognize the athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters who have made significant contributions to Gates County High School athletics. Its inaugural class brought together generations of Red Baron standouts and included the school’s undefeated 1971 football team and the 1986–87 girls basketball team.
The 2026 class continues that tradition by celebrating excellence in competition, commitment to student-athletes, and lifelong service to Gates County High School.