Arkansas Sports Legends to be Honored in 2026

Event Details

• Date: April 10, 2026
• Location: Oaklawn Event Center, Hot Springs

Inductees

Baseball

• Dallas Keuchel
• Former University of Arkansas pitcher
• Cy Young Award winner
• Played for multiple MLB teams and was part of a championship team

Basketball

• Jim Haney
• Known for his basketball skills at Arkansas College
• Holds several school records for points scored
• Erica Leak
• Former basketball player and coach
• Played in the WNBA
• Coached high school and college teams

Football

• Nathan Brown
• Played and coached football at the University of Central Arkansas
• Set state records for passing yards and touchdowns as a player
• Led his team to conference titles as a coach
• Lee Hardman
• Respected high school football coach
• Led his team to four state championships
• Buck James
• Respected high school football coach
• Won seven state titles and many conference awards

Horse Racing

• Louis Cella
• President of the Oaklawn Jockey Club
• Oversaw major expansion of the club, including a luxury hotel and new event center
• D. Wayne Lukas
• Legendary horse trainer
• Won many Triple Crown races
• Regular at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
• Passed away in 2025

Tennis

• Peter Doohan
• Australian tennis player
• Made a big impact at the University of Arkansas
• Won an NCAA doubles championship
• Had a notable professional career
• Passed away in 2017

Volleyball

• Van Compton
• Volleyball coach
• Led her team to many championships and tournament wins

Special Mention

• Alex Collins
• Former University of Arkansas running back
• Had a successful college career and played in the NFL
• Passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2023

These inductees have made significant contributions to sports in Arkansas. Their achievements will be celebrated and remembered for years to come.