CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – March 30, 2026 – The VIA Heritage Association is proud to announce its eleventh Hall of Fame class for 2026, honoring six distinguished individuals who have made lasting impacts on their communities and sports. This year’s prestigious group includes two athletes, two coaches, and two contributors who exemplify excellence. The association will celebrate these trailblazers at an induction banquet held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 990 Hilton Heights Road in Charlottesville.
The 2026 class honors two exceptional athletes who left a profound mark on Virginia high school sports. Johnny Morris, a standout guard from I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, led his team to Eastern District and State tournament victories between 1957 and 1961. During his final year, Morris set the Eastern District scoring record with an impressive 28 points per game. Ray L. Gillespie, representing John M. Langston High School in Danville, excelled as a rare four-sport letterman in baseball, basketball, football, and track. In his senior year alone, Gillespie led his league in rushing, earned all-star honors in two sports, and captured first place in multiple track events including the 100-yard dash, 200-yard dash, high jump, and broad jump.
Coaching legends Horace S. Savage Jr. and Tommy Reamon Sr. join the ranks of this year’s inductees. Savage guided the I.C. Norcom High School track team to a state championship in 1959 and later led the football team to a district championship and state runner-up finish in 1967. Beyond the trophies, he built a lasting culture of academic excellence, discipline, and resilience. Reamon, representing Warwick High School in Newport News, secured 195 total career wins while consistently maximizing his players’ potential. He built a stellar reputation for transforming struggling programs, famously leading Gloucester to its best season in two decades and ending a severe three-year losing streak for Denbigh.
The association also recognizes two outstanding contributors who have shaped their communities. Donald A. Byers, an alumnus of Jackson P. Burley High School in Charlottesville, is celebrated for his extensive amateur baseball career spanning over two decades. Recognized in the book “Sunday Coming” as a top first baseman of his era, Byers followed his playing days with a distinguished career in law enforcement. Shelia B. Coates, a Douglas High School graduate from Leesburg, rounds out the remarkable class. Coates has spent her career advising policymakers, testifying before government bodies, and answering invitations to the White House across multiple administrations. She continues to champion women’s rights, community empowerment, and equity by serving on numerous influential boards.
About VIA Heritage Association
The VIA Heritage Association preserves, celebrates, and honors the rich history of Black high schools in Virginia. By recognizing the outstanding achievements of former students, athletes, coaches, and community contributors, the organization ensures that the legacy of excellence, resilience, and triumph over adversity continues to inspire future generations.