The Wheeler High School Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring athletes and teams whose achievements span from the 1970s to 2015.
“This year’s Class represents four decades of the seven that Wheeler has been competing in athletics,” said Tim McDaniel, a member of the Hall of Fame committee. “One football player, one baseball player, two basketball players, and two softball teams are represented in this Class. Each individual and the members of the 1977 and 1978 softball teams reflect the best of what Wheeler High School is all about. Their character and commitment to their team and their school resulted in success that deserves recognition.”
Among those recognized is Jaylen Brown, who led Wheeler’s basketball team to a state championship in 2015. Brown earned honors such as McDonald’s All-American, Parade All-American, and Mr. Georgia Basketball before playing one season in college and moving on to a professional career with the Boston Celtics. He was named NBA Finals MVP after leading his team to the 2024 title and recently had his high school jersey retired.
Sharaud Curry also made significant contributions to Wheeler basketball a decade earlier. Curry won two state titles during his time at Wheeler (2003 as a sophomore and 2005 as a senior), finishing third all-time in scoring with over 1,800 points across three seasons along with more than 500 assists. He was named the 2005 Class 5A Player of the Year by several local publications before going on to play professionally overseas.
Joey Monahan was recognized for his performance as a baseball infielder during his senior year in 1999, earning All-State honors from the Georgia Dugout Club as well as First Team All-Cobb County recognition. He continued his career at Liberty University where he set a school record for stolen bases.
Hal Shaw joins his brother Bill (HOF Class of 2015) among Wheeler’s honorees. Shaw played football under coach Corky Kell (HOF Class of 2009) in the early seventies. In his senior year (1973), Shaw contributed significantly to an undefeated regular season that ended with an appearance in the State Championship Game. His post-season accolades included being named Team Most Valuable Lineman and selection to multiple all-region teams.
“I was surprised and humbled,” Mr. Shaw said about learning he would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. “I never really thought they would call me. Looking at the other names on this list this year and from previous years, there are some great players. To even think that I’d be mentioned in the same breath is exciting and humbling.”
Two softball teams from before statewide competition existed were also honored: The Wildcats’ “Wild Kittens” squads from 1977 and 1978 each won Cobb County Championships under head coach Jim Mau (HOF Class of 2009). The teams posted records of 19-2 and 17-3 respectively.
“In the ‘70s,” Coach Mau stated, “if your team won the Cobb County Championship, you were literally considered the State Champions of Georgia. That’s how strong Cobb County softball was. These teams deserved induction. Even though they didn’t have ‘State’ on their trophies, they were the best in the state of Georgia.”
The planned induction ceremony was canceled due to severe winter weather; instead, inductees were recognized at a recent basketball game.
“Each of their stories reflects dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Athletic Director Barry Bowdre during remarks at that event. “These are all qualities that define the very spirit of Wheeler. Standing alongside them reminded me of the powerful legacy our community continues to build. Their achievements not only inspire our current students, but they also strengthen the foundation for generations to come. I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize their impact and to help preserve their place in our school’s proud history.”
Wheeler High School reports strong student participation rates—30 percent take part in athletics while about ninety percent engage in extracurricular activities (official website). The school emphasizes values like safety, respect, integrity, self-advocacy, critical thinking (official website), fosters student success through teamwork (official website), and has received national recognition including silver medals from U.S News & World Report (official website).
Dr. Sara Fetterman currently serves as principal (official website).
