WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – During the induction ceremony for the Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame, one sentiment resonated throughout the evening: Members of the Class of 2026 haven't forgotten the university that helped shape their lives.
In short videos reflecting on their journeys, honorees expressed deep appreciation for Winston-Salem State University, recalling the people and experiences that influenced their paths to success.
They thanked coaches, professors and staff members who poured into them. They thanked their families. And some of them were visibly moved as they walked to the stage to receive their Hall of Fame medallions.
Seven individuals and two teams were honored for athletic achievements, and one individual and one group were recognized for Meritorious Service during the Oct. 9 ceremony in the McNeil Ballroom of WSSU's Albert H. Anderson Jr. Conference Center. Inductees were also recognized Oct. 10 at halftime of the Rams' game against Bowie State University at Bowman Gray Stadium.
"As I was walking to the stage to get my medallion, I was fighting back tears," 2017 graduate and standout football player Carlos Fields said in an interview this week. "A lot of my friends and coaches were there. This was a moment that I've been waiting on for a long time."
Fields was a four-year starter at linebacker who served as team captain for two seasons. He was a two-time All-American, two-time CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-CIAA selection. He played for six NFL teams and is now the defensive coordinator for Virginia State University.
"The impact WSSU has given on my life has been tremendous," Fields said in his induction video. "Enter to learn. Depart to serve. WSSU has provided me with a math degree, connected me to my wife of eight years and three daughters … and an NFL career."
Induction into the Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame represents the highest athletic honor WSSU bestows upon former athletes, coaches, athletic administrators and individuals recognized for meritorious service. A native of Paducah, Kentucky, Gaines coached men's basketball at WSSU for 47 years, becoming one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history with 828 victories. In 1967, the legendary coach led his team, which featured future NBA Hall of Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, to the NCAA College Division (now Division II) national championship – the first NCAA men's basketball national title won by a historically Black college or university.
Before dinner and inductions, WSSU Director of Athletics Eric Burns welcomed attendees.
"Tonight, we gather to celebrate the individuals and organizations whose outstanding achievements and dedicated service have helped shape the legacy of Winston-Salem State University athletics," Burns said. "From excellence on the court, the gridiron and the diamond to the lasting impact of meritorious service, each of you has contributed to the rich tradition and proud history of our Rams."
WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown touted recent university accolades, including its ranking by Forbes as one of the Top 10 public HBCUs in the country and its ranking by U.S. News & World Report as No. 11 among HBCUs nationally and No. 2 in North Carolina.
Brown then told honorees they represent more than their individual achievements.
"You are part of the legacy of this great university," she said. "Through your accomplishments, your leadership and the lives you continue to touch, you carry forward the values Coach Gaines embodied. You have earned this moment. We celebrate you. We thank you. And we are proud to welcome you into the Clarence E. 'Big House' Gaines Hall of Fame."
Honoree L'Tona Samuels Lamonte was a standout in softball and women's basketball and remains in the NCAA softball record books in five categories, including leading the nation in stolen bases during her junior year. She coached WSSU's women's basketball from 2016 to 2025 and is now director of development for University Advancement.
"At first I was shocked when I was notified I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame," Samuels said. "Then I became a tad emotional. I sort of knew it would happen one day eventually, but I wasn't expecting it to happen this soon."
The ceremony also featured a video message from Lisa Gaines McDonald, daughter of the legendary coach for whom the Hall of Fame is named, as well as remarks from Dr. Raushanah N. Butler, senior director of alumni engagement, and Anthony Pace, president of the Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association.
Heather Davis, chair of the Hall of Fame Committee, read a proclamation from Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. She also recognized inductee Juan Marcus Corders, a former linebacker who earned All-CIAA honors and served as team captain, as the highest fundraiser among the 2026 induction class, having raised $7,895.
Coretta Jeffries Bigelow, a retired banking executive and former member of the WSSU Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors, was the first honoree of the night and was recognized for meritorious service.
"This honor means so much to me because my connection to WSSU and its athletic community has always been about service, support and giving back," said Bigelow, a 1979 graduate. "WSSU has made a tremendous impact on my life. The pride, tradition, excellence and sense of family are truly special.
"To the current and future Rams, I encourage you to find your own way to make a difference," Bigelow continued. "Show up. Give back. Support others. And serve with your heart. Thank you, Winston-Salem State University and the Hall of Fame Committee for this incredible honor. I am humbled, grateful and extremely proud to be a Ram."
Other honorees included: Terrence C. Graves, Juan Marcus Corders, Robert Lewis Mackey III, Dr. Charlie Spell III, William Julius "Willy" Crandell, the 1978 football team, the 2000 WSSU softball team and the 1892 Crew. Click here to read more about each honoree.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, founded in 1892 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Home to 5,000 students, WSSU has a longstanding tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. WSSU is the only university in North Carolina to hold the Carnegie/American Council on Education "Opportunity College" designation, recognizing its impact on student access and social mobility. Guided by the motto, "Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve," WSSU prepares students for academic excellence, innovative research and community engagement. For more information, visit www.wssu.edu. On social media, follow Winston-Salem State University on Facebook and LinkedIn; @WSSU1892 on Instagram; and @WSSURams on X.
