Delaware State University inducts 2026 athletics Hall of Fame class

A New Chapter for Hornet History: The 2026 DSU Athletics Hall

On November 6, the Delaware State University community gathered inside the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center to formally enshrine its latest class of athletic legends. This year’s induction ceremony, as reported by the university’s official athletics department, celebrated 13 former student-athletes, a standout baseball team, and a historic first: the induction of an equine athlete.

The event, which had been anticipated since the university first announced the honorees back in July, served as a bridge between the program’s storied past and its modern identity. For the fans and alumni filling the center, the night was about more than just trophies; it was a recognition of the grit required to compete at the collegiate level across five decades of Hornet history.

The Trailblazers of the Field and Court

The inductees represented a diverse cross-section of Delaware State’s athletic evolution. Among the football honorees, Darren Felton secured his place in the record books as the only starting quarterback in program history to lead the team to two consecutive MEAC titles in 1988 and 1989. His career remains a benchmark for future signal-callers, ranking seventh all-time in both passing yards and touchdown passes.

The basketball program saw the induction of William Hill, Jr., who transitioned from U.S. Air Force service to become an all-time great for the Hornets in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hill’s 1,020 career points and efficiency on the court helped solidify the foundation for later successes, such as the 2004-05 squad that reached the NCAA Tournament. Darrin Shine, the floor general for that championship-era team, was also honored, having set the tempo with 420 career assists. Jay Threatt rounded out the basketball representation, holding the school record for career assists and steals.

The baseball program’s legacy was anchored by the 1974 championship squad, which captured the NAIA District 19 title and a share of the MEAC regular-season crown. They were joined by Jeff Greenly, whose 1989 season remains one of the most statistically dominant in school history, featuring a .421 career batting average that once ranked him among the elite hitters in NCAA Division I.

A Historic First for the Equestrian Program

Perhaps the most unique moment of the evening was the induction of “Gotta Love It” Lyle, a horse who served the DSU equestrian team for 18 years. Lyle’s inclusion marks the first time an animal has been enshrined in the DSU Athletics Hall. Throughout his tenure, Lyle was more than a training partner; he was a dual-event competitor in reining and horsemanship, earning numerous National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Horse-of-the-Month awards. His service extended into the community, where he became a recognizable face at homecoming parades and opening ceremonies.

Brooke Moore, a 2016 NCEA All-America First Team honoree, was also inducted for her individual brilliance in the saddle. Moore’s senior year featured a perfect 10-0 record, a testament to the high standards of the Hornet equestrian program.

The Full Roster of the 2026 Class

Beyond the highlights, the committee recognized a broad range of talent across multiple sports:

Delaware State Full Recruiting Class Of 2026/ Expectations For Upcoming Season

Norman Dempster: A defensive back who led the MEAC in interceptions and blocked punts between 1972 and 1975.
Thomas Dunn: A track and field standout who set DSU records in the decathlon and heptathlon.
Kendra Mayers Gunter: A 2011 ECAC long jump champion and consistent force in regional competition.
Uhuru Hamiter: A defensive line force with 19 career sacks, later signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints.
Ricky Meekins: Inducted as both an athlete and coach, Meekins dominated the MEAC in cross-country and track throughout the 1980s.
Michael Murray: A two-time Black College All-America honoree and the fourth-leading rusher in school history.
Samuel “Cowboy” Slay: A multi-sport athlete from the late 1960s who later served on the Hall Vision Committee.

Preserving the Legacy

The ceremony also served as a moment to honor the human architects behind the institution’s history. Jimmie and Tina Strong were recognized for their work in reestablishing the Hall, ensuring that the achievements of these athletes are not lost to time. Additionally, Frank Marshall presented a $50,000 donation to the DSU Foundation in memory of his late wife, Mary Marshall, continuing a legacy of support that saw the couple inducted as contributors in 2015.

Delaware State University inducts 2026 athletics Hall of Fame class — Photo: cune.edu

While the induction ceremony concluded on November 6, the celebration continued the following day at Alumni Stadium, where the 2026 class was recognized at halftime of the Hornets’ football game against Morgan State. As these names are etched into the permanent record, the university faces the ongoing task of maintaining the balance between celebrating its rich, multi-decade history and recruiting the next generation of athletes who will aim to match these storied careers.