Wetumpka Hall of Fame names four inductees for the 2026 class

Amanda Pevey

Elmore Autauga News

What started as a simple Facebook page has become a lasting tribute to Wetumpka’s finest. Created by founder Marcus Johnson, the Wetumpka Hall of Fame OP page honors individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service left a meaningful mark on the community and brought recognition to Wetumpka beyond its borders. This year, the Hall of Fame committee has selected four remarkable individuals for the 2026 class whose achievements in athletics, education, military service, and community leadership continue to inspire.

The first inductee of the Wetumpka Hall of Fame is Coy Stokely “Coach” Bazemore Junior. Bazemore dedicated 37 years to education in Wetumpka, where he was widely respected as a mathematics teacher and administrator, known for his unwavering commitment to student success. In addition to teaching, Coach Bazemore made a profound impact on Wetumpka athletics. He served as a coach in basketball, football, and baseball, as well as athletic director at Wetumpka High School. Wetumpka High School’s baseball field proudly bears his name.

Coy Stokely “Coach” Bazemore Jr. passed away on February 5, 2008, in Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 61, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership, excellence, and service.

The second inductee of the Wetumpka Hall of Fame is Sergeant Danny Hunter.

Hunter, a native of Tallassee, Alabama, honorably served 20 years and six months on active duty in the United States Army. Hunter enlisted as a Private (E-2) and completed Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana followed by Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia where he qualified as a Multi-Channel Communication Systems Operator. Hunter also served as a Guidance Counselor at Atlanta MEPS, followed by assignment as Station Commander for the Grandview Recruiting Station with the Kansas City Recruiting Battalion. He later transferred to the Miami Recruiting Battalion, where he played a key role in rebuilding the battalion following Hurricane Andrew.

Following his military retirement, Sergeant Hunter has served as the JROTC Instructor at Wetumpka High School for 31 years. He is widely recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and ability to build strong relationships with students.

The third inductee of the Wetumpka Hall of Fame is Lewis Jackson.

Jackson was one of the most accomplished basketball players in Wetumpka High School history. Jackson continued his career at Alabama State University, where he became one of the most prolific scorers in program history. His outstanding collegiate performance led to his selection by the Golden State Warriors in the third round of the 1984 NBA Draft. Following his professional playing career, Jackson returned to Alabama State University as Head Men’s Basketball Coach. He was named 2009 SWAC Coach of the Year and led the Hornets to two SWAC regular-season championships (2008, 2009) and two SWAC Tournament Championships (2009, 2011), further cementing his legacy as both an elite player and coach.

The fourth inductee of the Wetumpka Hall of Fame is Jamie Winborn.

Winborn starred at Wetumpka High School as a linebacker and fullback, earning All-Metro, All-Region, All-District, and Second-Team All-State honors during his senior season after recording 137 tackles. Winborn continued his football career at Vanderbilt University, where he became a three-year starter and one of the most dominant defensive players in the SEC. Winborn was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round (47th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played five seasons with the 49ers, totaling 190 tackles, nine sacks, and three interceptions. During his NFL career, Winborn also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans. With Denver, he appeared in 30 games, starting 13, and recorded 133 tackles. Winborn’s professional career reflected his consistency, toughness, and versatility at the linebacker position.

“This ceremony stands as a lasting tribute to those whose achievements in athletics, civic service, education, military service, arts, and community leadership reflect the character, resilience, and pride of Wetumpka, Alabama,” said Johnson.

Johnson went on to say, “More than a celebration of accomplishments, the Hall of Fame is a bridge between generations. It preserves our history, tells our stories, and inspires future leaders by recognizing the values of hard work, integrity, and dedication that define who we are as a city. Each inductee represents not only personal success, but a legacy that continues to impact Wetumpka and those who call it home. Through this ceremony, we unite the community to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future ensuring that the legacy of excellence in Wetumpka is remembered, respected, and passed on for generations to come.”

A fifth inductee will be inducted in the Wetumpka Hall of Fame by a community vote.

Please follow the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EhFZNuG8P/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

You can find more information, highlights of each inductee, and a vote on who you want to be inducted, on the page. An upcoming date and location for the induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 inductees will be announced on the page as well.