General 9/28/2026 11:22:00 AM

ASU Inducts Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Class

ALBANY, Ga. – On a festive Blue & Gold evening, the newest members of the best Golden Ram athletics was built upon were honored. Albany State University inducted the Class of 2026 ASU Hall of Fame of six individuals -- Robert L. Sampson Sr., Janel Herring-Farlin, Frank "Choo Choo" Brown Jr., Keith Kinney, Edward "E.T." Taylor and Edward "Ed" Wilson and the 2016 Darton State College Baseball Team on Friday night.

ASU President Dr. Robert Scott, Director of Athletics Dr. Kristene Kelly, and ASU National Alumni Association President Mrs. Sharmagne Goff along with a capacity-filled West Campus Ballroom of family members, former players, teammates and ASU supporters.

Event Program

The Class of 2026:

Robert L. Sampson Sr.

Robert L. Sampson Sr. has devoted his life to advancing the mission of Albany State University through his leadership, service, and a steadfast commitment to supporting Golden Rams student-athletes. As a proud member of the Albany State University Class of 1976, Sampson's impact reaches far beyond his days as a student-athlete, creating a legacy defined by mentorship, advocacy, and community involvement.

While at Albany State, Sampson excelled as a two-sport student-athlete in football and basketball, developing a passion for supporting future generations of athletes.

After graduating, he became a devoted ambassador for Albany State Athletics for over 25 years, engaging in volunteer leadership, fundraising, and community outreach to uphold the Golden Rams tradition.

Sampson spent 10 years as president of the Westover High School Football Gridiron Club, where he worked with coaches and community leaders to enhance the student-athlete experience. He also founded the Albany State Quarterback Club, uniting alumni and supporters to mobilize resources and strengthen community ties for Albany State Football.

Beyond athletics, Sampson is dedicated to mentoring young people in the Albany community, emphasizing the importance of education, leadership, and perseverance. His commitment to service and leadership has positively impacted many, enriching both Golden Rams Athletics and the broader community.

Robert L. Sampson Sr.'s legacy is one of dedication, generosity, and pride in Albany State University. His decades of unwavering support have helped sustain and enhance the Golden Rams tradition while inspiring others to
invest in the success of future generations.
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2016 Darton State College Championship Baseball Team

The 2016 Darton State College baseball team set the gold standard in program history, finishing with a 43–21 overall record and a 21–7 conference mark under Head Coach Scot Hemmings.

The Cavaliers captured both the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) Regular Season and Tournament Championships and advanced to the Junior College World Series after winning the East Central District Championship. Darton won four consecutive elimination games during its postseason run, including a dramatic walk-off victory to clinch the regional title.

Ranked nationally throughout the season and finishing No. 9 in the final poll, the team also excelled academically with a 3.30 spring GPA. Competing in what marked Darton State College's final year before consolidation, the team's unity and resilience solidified a historic chapter that continues to resonate within Albany State Athletics.
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Janel Herring-Farlin
(Women's Volleyball)

During her collegiate career, Janel earned numerous accolades, including SIAC Most Valuable Player(2004), SIAC Best Offensive Player of the Year (2003, 2004), SIAC Women's Volleyball MVP (2002), and ASU Athlete of the Year (2003). She also received multiple All-Conference and All-Tournament honors while contributing to Albany State's SIAC Division II Women's Championships from 2001-2005. In addition to her volleyball success, she excelled in track and field, earning top finishes in the SIAC Triple Jump in 2002 and 2003.

A standout athlete from an early age, Janel began making her mark in sports at James S. Rickards High School, where she excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Her success in volleyball earned her a scholarship to Albany State University, where she became one of the institution's most accomplished multi-sport student-athletes.

Janel holds a Bachelor of Science from Albany State University and a Master of Science from Capella University, and she is pursuing a doctorate. She has over 15years of experience in public service and law enforcement, currently working as an Inspector for the Department of Management Services Office of Inspector General. Her career includes roles at various law enforcement agencies and extensive certifications. Committed to community service, she mentors and coaches volleyball at James S. Rickards High School and actively participates in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) to foster community relationships and develop future leaders.

Janel Farlin, born in Tallahassee, Fla. to Carolyn Jean Kitchen and the late Dallas Herring, was supported by her late stepfather, Richard Kitchen Jr. She is married to Marcus Farlin and has three children: Taylor Herring (with son-in-law Darius Houston), Jordan Lumpkin, and John Cody Jr. Janel is also a grandmother to Noah Herring, Nova Houston, and soon-to-arrive Noelle Houston, with family being her primary inspiration and motivation.
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Frank "Choo-Choo" Brown
(Football)

Frank James "Choo-Choo" Brown Jr. stands out as a legendary figure in the history of Albany State University, celebrated for his remarkable prowess on the football field and his dedication to leadership and mentorship. A four-year letterwinner from 1964 to 1967, he made a name for himself as both a tackle and an end, earning four All-Conference selections along the way. His outstanding performance in 1967 earned him accolades as the Defensive Player of the Year, with an impressive average of 15 tackles per game. His senior year culminated in Small College All-America honors, and he made history as the first Albany State player to be drafted by the NFL, chosen by the Dallas Cowboys.

After his playing career, he focused on education, spending 20 years as a teacher and coach in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he became the first Black athletic director and head football coach in the Fairfield County School System. He later served in similar roles in Georgia, mentoring many athletes who went on to successful professional careers.

Beyond athletics, Brown impacted community service by opening a residential facility for troubled youth and serving as transportation director for the Muscogee County School District. His extensive involvement in community initiatives includes improving housing, supporting Special Olympics, and co-founding the Bridgeport chapter of 100 Black Men.

From his football accomplishments to his dedication to education and public service, Brown has exemplified excellence, integrity, and service, inspiring future generations of Golden Rams.
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Keith Kinney
(Men's Cross-Country)

Keith Kinney is often celebrated as one of the greatest distance runners in Albany State University's history and stands out as one of the most accomplished distance athletes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). His impressive collegiate career was marked by championship victories, record-setting performances, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that propelled Albany State's cross-country and track and field programs to new heights.

Kinney arrived at Albany State in 1977 on a full athletic scholarship, quickly making a name for himself under coach Robert Cross. He played a pivotal role in securing four consecutive SIAC Cross Country Championships from 1977 to 1980 and became a standout distance runner, clinching multiple individual championships in the 1,500 meters, 5,000
meters, and 10,000 meters.

His impressive performances set SIAC records and earned him numerous accolades, including Albany State Athlete of the Year in 1979 and the 1981 SIAC Most Outstanding Track and Field Athlete. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Albany State.

Kinney remains connected to his alma mater through leadership, mentorship, and community service, supporting current students and alumni. Professionally, he has excelled at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as an inspector and received the Aero Star Award in 2023 for exceptional performance. Passionate about giving back, Kinney embodies the values of discipline and servant leadership, leaving a lasting legacy beyond athletics.
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Edward "E.T." Taylor
(Baseball)

Edward "E.T." Taylor has dedicated his life to baseball, crafting a legacy that spans generations as a student-athlete, coach, mentor, and leader. His influence on Albany State University Athletics is not only measured by championships and wins, but also by the many student-athletes whose lives he has touched through his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Taylor made his mark at Albany State as a standout student-athlete in football and baseball, known for his toughness and strong leadership. In 2002, he returned to coach the Golden Rams baseball team, achieving a remarkable 246-155 record over nine seasons and leading the team to six conference championships and two NCAA Division II Regional Tournament appearances.

Beyond his impressive record, Taylor focused on cultivating a culture of discipline and accountability within the program, emphasizing the importance of character and teamwork. His mentorship helped prepare many student-athletes for success beyond sports.

Currently, he works with the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, continuing to nurture young baseball players. Taylor's dedication to youth development reflects his passion for education and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy on Albany State University and its athletics program. Edward "E.T." Taylor's contributions have shaped the university and the game of baseball for years to come.
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Edward Wilson
(Football/Baseball)

Edward "Ed" Wilson, hailing from Monticello, Florida, left a lasting mark at Albany State University as a talented three-sport athlete. He shined in football, baseball, and track and field, earning four varsity letters in both football and baseball while showcasing his speed in the 100-meter dash and the 4x100-meter relay.

On the football field, Wilson stood out as a four-year starter, consistently proving himself as a reliable player. His efforts earned him All-SIAC honors, reflecting his vital role in strengthening the Golden Rams program. Meanwhile, in baseball, he became a pivotal player, displaying incredible versatility and skill.

Wilson carried that same level of excellence onto the baseball diamond, where he was also a four-year starter and key contributor for the Golden Rams. His versatility and competitive drive made him a valuable asset across multiple athletic programs, demonstrating the well-rounded skill set that defined his collegiate career.

After his collegiate career, Wilson was selected in the 11th round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, continuing his football journey at the professional level. Post-retirement, he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes in softball and basketball, instilling valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance.

Wilson's legacy of excellence, leadership, and service reflects the core values of Albany State University Athletics, making him a deserving member of the Albany State University Athletics Hall of Fame.

-GoldenRams-

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