THE HARDIN COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Welcome to our newest inductees in the Class of 2026
Farrell Gean - Class of 2026
A standout athlete at Central High School during the late 1960s, Farrell Gean excelled in both basketball and baseball before continuing his career at Lipscomb University from 1968 to 1972. A rare four-year letterman in both sports, Gean became one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. On the hardwood, he averaged 15 points per game during his career, served as team captain in 1972, and once set the school’s single-game scoring record with 42 points. His accomplishments on the baseball diamond were equally impressive. Gean established school records in hits, doubles, home runs, and RBIs while helping lead the famed “Miracle Bisons” to the program’s first two appearances in the NAIA World Series championship round in 1971 and 1972. He earned NAIA World Series All-Tournament honors and was later named to the National Coaches Association NAIA All-Tournament 20th Anniversary Team for the 1957–1976 era. In 2011, he was inducted into the Lipscomb University Hall of Fame.
Becky Gentry - Class of 2026
Becky Mauck Gentry built a remarkable basketball legacy that began at Hardin County High School in the early 1990s. A dominant player for the Lady Tigers, she earned All-District, All-Region, and All-State honors during both her junior and senior seasons before walking on at the University of North Alabama. Gentry was named Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year and, during her sophomore season, became the first player in NCAA Division I or Division II history to lead the nation in both three-point shooting percentage and free throw percentage in the same season. To this day, Gentry remains the only player in UNA history to rank among the top ten in career points, rebounds, assists, and steals. She currently ranks sixth in scoring and rebounds, fourth in steals, tenth in assists, and third in career free throw percentage while also holding school records for single-season and career three-point shooting percentage. Her accomplishments earned her induction into the University of North Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Lisa Jones - Class of 2026
As a player at Hardin County High School, Lisa Mabry Jones earned All-District and All-Region honors during her senior season in 1974 before playing collegiately at Ole Miss . Jones later returned home and became one of the most respected coaches in Hardin County history. During her tenure as head girls basketball coach at HCHS from 1989 to 1995, her teams compiled an extraordinary 87 percent winning percentage - still the highest in school history. Known for her discipline, preparation, and relentless commitment to excellence, she earned District Coach of the Year honors in one of the state’s toughest districts and helped shape the lives of countless student-athletes. Beyond basketball, Jones also became one of Tennessee’s premier amateur golfers, finishing as State Amateur runner-up and capturing Tennessee Women’s 4-Ball championships in 1997 and 2002. She passed away in 2023, but her legacy continues to resonate throughout the Hardin County community.
OUR PROCESS
Each year, members of the public are encouraged to nominate athletes, coaches, and athletic contributors from the greater Hardin County community whose accomplishments place them at the pinnacle of achievement among their peers. In the spring, our board of directors carefully examines each nomination and creates a ballot of worthy candidates. Along with the board members, each living inductee casts their vote to elect three members to the newest class. Later that year, those newly elected members are inducted at our annual banquet.
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