General | 9/3/2025 12:00:00 PM

NORFOLK, Va., September 3, 2025 – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today the 2026 Hall of Fame Class. The five inductees will be officially enshrined during the week of 2026 MEAC Basketball Tournament, March 11-14, in Norfolk, Virginia.

“On behalf of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, I extend my sincere congratulations to the five inductees of our 2026 Hall of Fame class,” Commissioner Sonja Stills said. “The MEAC Hall of Fame stands as a tribute to careers marked by excellence, dedication, and impact, both on and off the field. These honorees embody the proud traditions and values of the MEAC, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of MEAC student-athletes.”

The MEAC Hall of Fame highlights former student-athletes, coaches, university and conference administrators, and notable contributors who have enriched the conference's legacy since its inception in 1970. Enshrinees are selected by an eight-person committee of administrators and member institution representatives.

The inaugural Hall of Fame class was inducted on May 29, 1981, during a 10th anniversary banquet in Greensboro, N.C. Since its establishment, the MEAC Hall of Fame has enshrined 173 individuals. 

Tickets are now available to purchase for the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel in Norfolk, VA, on Thursday, March 12. Fans may purchase individual tickets for $65 or a table of eight for $500. To purchase your tickets click here. 

Souvenir program advertisement opportunities are available to honor the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees. Full-page color ads are available for $500, while full-page black-and-white ads are $300. Ad spaces can be purchased here. 
 
2026 MEAC Hall of Fame Inductees
Sandra Booker, Bethune-Cookman University: Sandra Booker, the longest-serving Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) history, dedicated more than two decades to shaping the student-athlete experience at Bethune-Cookman University and across the conference. Serving as B-CU’s SWA from 1999–2021, she represented the Wildcats and the MEAC in critical policy-making matters, ensuring opportunities and equity for countless student-athletes.

Under her leadership, Bethune-Cookman athletics rose to prominence in both men’s and women’s sports. Booker was a driving force behind the Wildcats capturing the MEAC Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award in 2006 and four Talmadge Hill All-Sports Awards (2014–16, 2018). She also played a vital role on the MEAC Forecasting Committee during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing expertise that helped the league navigate unprecedented challenges with innovative scheduling and student-athlete welfare at the forefront.

Booker chaired the SWA Committee, co-chaired numerous MEAC championships, and served on the MEAC Basketball Tournament Committee and the MEAC Woman of the Year selection process. Nationally, she was a member of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and was instrumental in launching women’s professional development seminars and workshops in partnership with the MEAC and B-CU. On campus, she held key leadership roles, including as a lead Title IX Investigator, while coordinating budget oversight, game-day operations, and program development for women’s sports.

Booker also stepped into coaching roles when called upon, serving as head women’s basketball coach for six seasons, guiding the Wildcats to back-to-back winning campaigns (2001–03) and earning MEAC Coach of the Year honors in 2003. She later led the B-CU softball program in 2014, collecting 25 victories highlighted by an extra-inning win over Michigan State and two regular-season triumphs over eventual MEAC champion Florida A&M. Notably, she remains the only B-CU women’s coach to defeat FAMU in both basketball and softball.

Dr. Riccardo Jones, North Carolina Central University:  From 1972-75, Jones was a leading figure on the tennis court for North Carolina Central University, holding the No. 1 singles position throughout his career. He captured three consecutive MEAC individual championships, compiling an almost flawless conference record with his only setback coming in the 1975 championship match.

Equally formidable in doubles play, Jones won three straight MEAC doubles championships at No. 1 doubles, helping lead the Eagles to four consecutive MEAC team titles during his tenure.

A standout both athletically and academically, Jones earned Academic All-America honors from 1973–75 while excelling as a double major in chemistry and biology. His blend of competitive excellence and academic achievement remains a model of the ideal student-athlete at North Carolina Central.

Khalil Rmidi Kinini, University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Kinini a distance running sensation from Málaga, Spain, left an enduring legacy at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, excelling in both cross-country and track & field while setting multiple school and MEAC records.

He became the first runner in UMES history to qualify for the NCAA Cross Country Championship in 2016, marking a milestone moment for the Hawks program. The following spring, he advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in the steeplechase, further cementing his place among the conference’s elite.

Kinini amassed an impressive list of honors, including six MEAC Championship Outstanding Track Performer awards, three each for indoor and outdoor competition from 2015–17. His senior year culminated in being named the 2017 MEAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.

Kinini’s name remains etched in the UMES record books, holding program records in the steeplechase (8:46.62), 10,000 meters (31:37.65), mile (4:05.08), and 3,000 meters (8:04.28). His achievements not only elevated the Hawks on the national stage but also set a new standard of excellence for distance running in the MEAC.

Kendall Langford, Hampton University: Langford cemented his place in Hampton and MEAC history as one of the most dominant defensive ends to ever wear a Pirates uniform. From 2004–07, he was a relentless force on the field, finishing his career with 236 tackles (110 solo), 56 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, and a reputation for making game-changing plays. His 236 total tackles rank eighth in Hampton’s record books.

Langford made an immediate impact as a freshman, posting 44 tackles and earning Freshman All-American honors, highlighted by a 30-yard fumble return for a touchdown. As a sophomore, he secured a starting role and tallied 65 tackles, with 15.5 tackles for loss, earning First Team All-MEAC honors, the first of three straight such selections. His junior season brought national recognition as an Associated Press All-American after posting 55 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks.

In 2007, Langford capped his collegiate career with a stellar senior season, leading the team with 72 tackles and adding 13.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown, his second career defensive score. He represented Hampton in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, further solidifying his status as an NFL prospect.

Langford was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 2008 NFL Draft and went on to enjoy a 10-year professional career. He also played for the St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans. Across 136 games (113 starts), he amassed 290 tackles, with 43 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, 47 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, and 20 pass deflections leaving a lasting legacy at the professional level. 

Tywain McKee, Coppin State University: McKee enjoyed a stellar four-year career at Coppin State University, establishing himself as one of the program’s all-time greats while leading the Eagles to the 2008 MEAC Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship. Over his career (2006-09), he averaged 17.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, shooting 41.6 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from three-point range, and 80.5 percent from the free-throw line.

McKee made an immediate impact, earning MEAC Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 and Second Team All-MEAC recognition as a freshman. He went on to be named First Team All-MEAC in each of his next three seasons, culminating in his senior year with the conference’s top honor as the 2009 MEAC Player of the Year. In addition to his conference laurels, McKee garnered AP All-American Honorable Mention, NABC All-District selection, and CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major All-American accolades.

He delivered one of the greatest performances in MEAC Tournament history in 2008, scoring a tournament-record 93 points over four games, including 33 in the championship contest and the game-winning basket with three seconds remaining. His heroics earned him MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors, followed by a 2009 All-Tournament Team nod.

Ranking third in MEAC history in scoring (2,158 points), free throws (515), and steals (253), McKee went on to a successful professional career, competing in the NBA Summer League and winning championships in Australia, Russia, Israel, and France. His legacy is one of consistent excellence, clutch performances, and championship pedigree.

About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is in its 55th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2025-26 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is made up of eight outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline: Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University. For more information about the MEAC, visit www.MEACSports.com.