University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Athletics Celebrates Five Hall of Fame Inductees
Sep 17, 2026 | General
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Five University of Memphis legends were inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night, celebrating their contributions to the rich history of Memphis athletics.
Former Memphis men's basketball head coach John Calipari, former men's tennis standout Phil Chamberlain, former football kicker Stephen Gostkowski, former football standout Tim Harris and former men's basketball standout Larry Kenon were among the nine members of the 2026 Memphis Sports Hall of Fame class.
The Memphis Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements and contributions have helped shape the sports history of the Memphis community. The 2026 induction ceremony took place at the Renasant Convention Center.
Calipari served as head coach of the Memphis men's basketball program from 2000-09, leading the Tigers to sustained national prominence. During his tenure, Memphis made nine consecutive postseason appearances including four Sweet 16's and three Elite Eights, while dominating Conference USA. Calipari is the winningest coach in the history of Memphis basketball.
Chamberlain played tennis at Memphis from 1973-76. In 1974, he won the NCAA Southern Doubles Championship alongside teammate Keith West. Chamberlain helped lead the Tigers to the 1976 Metro Conference championship, winning both the singles and doubles titles. He was ranked as high as No. 18 nationally during his collegiate career. Chamberlain later returned to Memphis as the men's tennis head coach from 1999-2004, compiling a 100-59 record and coaching 10 All-Conference selections.
Gostkowski finished his Memphis career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 369 points. He earned All-Conference First-Team honors in 2004 and 2005 and was named Conference USA's Special Teams Player of the Year in 2005. He also played baseball at Memphis before being selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Harris played both defensive end and linebacker for the Tigers from 1982-85. Known as one of the most ferocious pass rushers in school history, he recorded a school record of 31 sacks and was part of the nation's top-ranked defense in 1984 and 1985. Harris was a three-time All-Metro Conference selection and led the defense during a period that laid the groundwork for future Tiger defensive traditions.
Kenon played one season at Memphis in 1972-73 and was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. He averaged 20.1 points and 16.7 rebounds per game, setting a Memphis single-season record for rebounds per game. Kenon recorded 25 double-doubles in 30 games and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA championship game.
For more information on the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame and its 2026 class, visit Memphis Sports Hall of Fame.
2026 Memphis Sports Hall of Fame Class
Bobby Alston
Chelsea Bramlett
John Calipari
Phil Chamberlain
Stubby Clapp
Stephen Gostkowski
Roosevelt Hancock
Tim Harris
Larry Kenon
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Athletics, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the department's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Former Memphis men's basketball head coach John Calipari, former men's tennis standout Phil Chamberlain, former football kicker Stephen Gostkowski, former football standout Tim Harris and former men's basketball standout Larry Kenon were among the nine members of the 2026 Memphis Sports Hall of Fame class.
The Memphis Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements and contributions have helped shape the sports history of the Memphis community. The 2026 induction ceremony took place at the Renasant Convention Center.
Calipari served as head coach of the Memphis men's basketball program from 2000-09, leading the Tigers to sustained national prominence. During his tenure, Memphis made nine consecutive postseason appearances including four Sweet 16's and three Elite Eights, while dominating Conference USA. Calipari is the winningest coach in the history of Memphis basketball.
Chamberlain played tennis at Memphis from 1973-76. In 1974, he won the NCAA Southern Doubles Championship alongside teammate Keith West. Chamberlain helped lead the Tigers to the 1976 Metro Conference championship, winning both the singles and doubles titles. He was ranked as high as No. 18 nationally during his collegiate career. Chamberlain later returned to Memphis as the men's tennis head coach from 1999-2004, compiling a 100-59 record and coaching 10 All-Conference selections.
Gostkowski finished his Memphis career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 369 points. He earned All-Conference First-Team honors in 2004 and 2005 and was named Conference USA's Special Teams Player of the Year in 2005. He also played baseball at Memphis before being selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Harris played both defensive end and linebacker for the Tigers from 1982-85. Known as one of the most ferocious pass rushers in school history, he recorded a school record of 31 sacks and was part of the nation's top-ranked defense in 1984 and 1985. Harris was a three-time All-Metro Conference selection and led the defense during a period that laid the groundwork for future Tiger defensive traditions.
Kenon played one season at Memphis in 1972-73 and was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. He averaged 20.1 points and 16.7 rebounds per game, setting a Memphis single-season record for rebounds per game. Kenon recorded 25 double-doubles in 30 games and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA championship game.
For more information on the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame and its 2026 class, visit Memphis Sports Hall of Fame.
2026 Memphis Sports Hall of Fame Class
Bobby Alston
Chelsea Bramlett
John Calipari
Phil Chamberlain
Stubby Clapp
Stephen Gostkowski
Roosevelt Hancock
Tim Harris
Larry Kenon
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Athletics, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the department's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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