09/17/2026
Howard County Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2026
The Howard County Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2026 induction class, featuring five athletes and two contributors whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on the county's rich sports tradition.
This year's recognition ceremony will be Saturday, November 7th, at the CFD Investments.
Established in 2004, the Howard County Sports Hall of Fame honors the athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, media members and community leaders who have shaped the county’s athletic legacy. Through its annual induction ceremony, the organization recognizes individuals whose achievements have brought
distinction to Howard County at the local, collegiate, national and international levels while preserving their stories for future generations.
“The Howard County Sports Hall of Fame is about more than recognizing athletic achievement — it’s about
preserving the stories of the people who helped shape our community through sports,” said Board President
Steve Geiselman. “The Class of 2026 represents excellence, dedication and character, and we are honored to
celebrate their accomplishments while ensuring their legacy inspires future generations.”
The inductees for 2026:
Greg Baker
A standout athlete at Haworth High School and Indiana State University, Greg Baker built an impressive baseball career that extended into professional baseball. After earning First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors twice and helping Indiana State capture the 1979 conference championship, Baker was selected in the eighth round of the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Francisco Giants. He spent four seasons in the Giants’ minor league system, playing at every level through Triple-A, and represented the United States on the 1979 Pan American Games baseball team. His accomplishments at the high school, collegiate and professional levels make him one of Howard County’s most accomplished baseball players.
Dave Barnes
Dave Barnes devoted a lifetime to shaping young athletes and strengthening the Kokomo community through coaching, teaching and leadership. He coached basketball, cross country, tennis, and track and field for more than four decades — making his greatest impact with Kokomo High School’s girls track and field program.
Barnes helped lead 15 IHSAA Girls Track & Field sectional championships over a 17-year span and was respected for providing opportunity and equality to every student-athlete. He also served as Kokomo Center Schools’ Director of Communications while volunteering with numerous community organizations, leaving an enduring legacy on Howard County athletics and the community.
Donna Miller
Donna Miller dedicated 39 years to serving as the executive director of the Kokomo Police Athletic League (PAL), where she helped provide generations of young people with opportunities to participate in athletics, develop leadership skills and build positive relationships through organized sports. Her nearly four decades of
leadership at PAL made her one of Howard County’s most influential advocates for youth athletics, ensuring that countless children benefited from programs that emphasized teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and personal growth. Through her steadfast commitment, Miller played a vital role in strengthening both the PAL organization and the community it serves.
Ashli Oliver
Ashli Oliver helped transform Taylor High School’s girls basketball into a championship program while establishing herself as one of Howard County’s all-time leading scorers. She scored more than 1,400 points during her high school career, led the Titans to
conference, sectional and regional championships, and never
missed a game in four seasons. Oliver continued her success at Tusculum College, where she became one of the most prolific three-point shooters in NCAA Division II history, finishing with more than 1,500 career points and setting school and conference records from beyond the three-point line.
Jim Ousley
Jim Ousley continued his family’s remarkable golfing tradition with an outstanding career at Kokomo High School, Indiana University and as a professional golfer. He helped lead the Wildkats to the 1988 IHSAA state championship before capturing the 1994 Indiana State Amateur Championship and going on to win numerous
Indiana PGA events throughout his professional career. A member of the Indiana High School Golf Association Hall of Fame as part of the Ousley family, Jim’s accomplishments span success as a high school champion, collegiate golfer, state amateur champion and accomplished PGA professional.
Danny Sewell
Danny Sewell distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete at Northwestern High School before becoming one of the greatest basketball players in High Point University history. A two-time NAIA All-American and four-time all-conference selection, Sewell finished his collegiate career among the school’s all-time leaders in scoring and rebounding and later earned induction into the High Point University Hall of Fame. His athleticaccomplishments extended beyond college, as he has continued competing successfully in senior basketball, capturing multiple National Senior Games gold medals.
Sandy Shuck
One of the most accomplished bowlers in Howard County history, Sandy Shuck enjoyed a competitive career that spanned four decades. A member of the Kokomo Bowling Hall of Fame, she captured numerous city and league championships, held professional status for two seasons, and competed successfully in prestigious state and national tournaments. Beyond her achievements on the lanes, Shuck served in numerous leadership roles within the Kokomo Women’s Bowling Association, while also excelling as a fastpitch softball pitcher who helped lead the
Coca-Cola Hustlers to a Tri-County League championship. Her lasting contributions as both a champion athlete and dedicated leader have had a significant impact on Howard County sports.
Sponsorships for the event are still available. Message us for details.
