Class of 2026

Class of 2026

HOF Recognizes 1989 State Track Champs
By Gordon Pynes

The Atlanta Athletics Hall of Fame (HOF) will induct two Rabbit athletes and their Coach who led the 1989 track and field team to the State Championship. History was made as Atlanta gained its first State trophy in any sport after competing for almost 65 years in the University Interscholastic League (UIL). Coach Gordon Pynes and Rabb teammates Rod Rowe and Carlos Simmons will enter the HOF Class of 2026. History was made in May 1989 when these two athletes were trailblazers in leading the way to that first Championship performance. Rod and Carlos were boyhood friends. Simmons grew up in the Shiloh community which has produced a number of outstanding athletes and Rod Rowe grew up on Rowe Hill as part of the Douglasville community also home to many Rabb athletes.
 

The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30 prior to the Atlanta - Liberty Eylau football game. A reception honoring the inductees will be held from 5-6:15pm before the game in the High School Cafeteria. Family, friends, fans and former Rabbit athletes, teammates and classmates are invited to the reception.
 

An article highlighting each honoree will appear in the Journal - Sun over the next several weeks.

1989 State Track Champs

Front Row (L-R)

Coach Roy Hernandez, Rod Rowe, Coach Gordon Pynes, Coach Ben Scharnberg
 

Second Row L-R)

Steve Parker, Reggie Jackson, Keino Willis, Carlos Simmons, Reggie Kidd, Kevin Burgin, Vincent Lawson

Third Row L-R)

Al Jon Davis, DeShea Burleson