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Covington Today
By the People, for the People
Kentucky High School Athletic Association Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Class
The class includes standout athletes, legendary coaches, and a longtime contributor to high school sports.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has unveiled its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which features five athletes, eight coaches, and one contributor. The class includes basketball stars like Makayla Epps and Gwen Doyle Howard, as well as football coach Lynn Ray and basketball coach Bill Mike Runyon, who both led their teams to multiple state championships.
Why it matters
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame honors the state's most accomplished high school athletes, coaches, and contributors, recognizing their impact on the local sports community. This year's class highlights the rich history and tradition of high school sports in Kentucky, showcasing the talent and dedication that has defined the state's athletic programs.
The details
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes several standout athletes, such as Makayla Epps, who played in the WNBA after a successful high school career at Marion County, and Gwen Doyle Howard, who led DuPont Manual to three regional championships and set single-game scoring and rebounding records. On the coaching side, Lynn Ray turned Covington Catholic into a football powerhouse, winning 234 games and five state titles, while Bill Mike Runyon led Paintsville to 581 victories and a Sweet 16 championship in 30 years.
- The Kentucky High School Athletic Association unveiled its Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on February 26, 2026.
The players
Makayla Epps
A basketball athlete who played for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA after a standout high school career at Marion County.
Gwen Doyle Howard
A basketball athlete who led DuPont Manual to three 7th Region championships and holds the school's single-game records in points (50) and rebounds (40).
Lynn Ray
A football coach who turned Covington Catholic into a Kentucky high school football powerhouse, winning 234 games and five state championships in three decades.
Bill Mike Runyon
A basketball coach who led Paintsville to 581 victories in 30 years, including a Sweet 16 Championship in 1996, and was later elected as the town's mayor.
Riherd Family
A contributor to high school sports through their involvement with Riherd Sports Shop and Riherds.com.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association's Hall of Fame Class of 2026 showcases the state's rich history of athletic excellence, honoring the achievements of standout athletes, legendary coaches, and dedicated contributors who have left an indelible mark on high school sports in Kentucky.
