ECU Athletics Celebrates Hall of Fame Class of 2026
ADA, Okla. – On Friday night, East Central University Athletics proudly celebrated the induction of the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during a memorable ceremony inside the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
Photo Gallery
The distinguished class is comprised of four outstanding individuals and one pioneering team, honoring excellence across generations of ECU Athletics. The 2026 inductees include Wayne Wheat (Student-Athlete – Football), Braxton Reeves (Student-Athlete – Men's Basketball), JT Gasso (Distinguished Alum – Baseball), David Moore (Student-Athlete – Football), and the inaugural 1995 ECU Softball Team.
With these additions, ECU's Hall of Fame now includes 168 former student-athletes, alumni, coaches, administrators, and teams who have made lasting impacts on East Central University Athletics.
The evening began with a welcome from ECU Athletic Director Matt Cole, followed by opening remarks from ECU President Wendell Godwin. Following an induction video that highlighted the honorees' achievements, memories, and personal reflections through the voices of family members, teammates, coaches, and friends, each inductee took the podium to reflect on their time and experiences at East Central University.
Wayne Wheat
Wayne Wheat was a foundational figure in the early years of ECU football, helping establish the toughness and tradition that continue to define the Tiger program. A dominant defensive lineman, Wheat earned All-Conference honors in both 1971 and 1972 and served as team captain during his senior season. In 1972, he was named an NAIA All-American and selected as the team's Most Valuable Player, recognizing both his leadership and impact on the field. After graduating in 1973, Wheat transitioned into coaching, joining the legendary Odessa Permian High School staff and contributing to the program's Texas 5A State Championship in 1980. He later enjoyed a successful professional career with Baker Hughes Oil, working from 1981 until his retirement in 2013. A loyal supporter of ECU Football, Wheat's lifelong commitment to excellence and leadership made him a natural choice for Hall of Fame recognition.
Braxton Reeves
Braxton Reeves stands as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in East Central University history. A sharpshooting guard from Fort Worth, Texas, Reeves led the Tigers during a historic 2016–17 season that included ECU's first Great American Conference regular-season title and Tournament Championship. At the time of his graduation, Reeves was the GAC's all-time leading scorer and top three-point shooter, highlighted by a league-record 129 three-pointers during his senior season. He averaged 22.5 points per game while also leading the conference in steals. Reeves became the GAC's first unanimous Player of the Year, earned GAC Tournament MVP honors, and received national recognition as a member of the NABC All-Star West Team, Basketball Times Second Team All-American, and D2CCA All-American Honorable Mention, becoming the first NCAA-era ECU player to earn all four honors. He still holds ECU records for points in a single game (45), career three-pointers made (346), and three-point attempts (808), and finished fourth in career scoring with 1,722 points. His scoring ability, leadership, and consistency defined a golden era of Tiger basketball and cemented his legacy among the program's all-time greats.
JT Gasso
JT Gasso competed as a collegiate baseball player at Eastern Oklahoma State before finishing his career at East Central University, but it is his exceptional coaching legacy in softball that has earned him induction as a Distinguished Athletic Alumnus. As associate head coach at the University of Oklahoma, Gasso has helped build one of the most dominant offensive programs in college softball history. During his tenure, the Sooners have captured six national championships, made nine Women's College World Series appearances, and won seven Big 12 regular-season titles along with five Big 12 Tournament crowns. His hitters have produced remarkable slash lines and surpassed 1,000 home runs, while earning numerous national accolades. Gasso has played a key role in mentoring some of the game's elite players, including Jocelyn Alo, who set the NCAA career home run record and earned back-to-back USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honors. His impact on the sport through player development, offensive innovation, and sustained excellence reflects Hall of Fame distinction and brings great pride to East Central University.
David Moore
David Moore is one of the most decorated football players in ECU history and among the few Tigers to reach the National Football League. A dynamic wide receiver from Gainesville, Texas, Moore finished his collegiate career as ECU's all-time leader in receiving yards (2,776), receiving touchdowns (35), and 100-yard receiving games (nine). He earned three All-Great American Conference selections, was named to the Don Hansen All-America Offensive Third Team, received D2Football.com All-America honorable mention honors, and garnered multiple All-Super Region recognitions. Moore was selected in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, becoming just the second ECU player since 2013 to be drafted into the league. He played with Seattle from 2017–2021, spent time with the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers in 2021, played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, and joined the Carolina Panthers for the 2024 season, where he continues his professional career. His success at the highest level highlights the talent and perseverance developed at ECU.
1995 ECU Softball Team
In addition to the individual inductees, ECU honored the inaugural 1995 softball team on the 30-year anniversary of the program's first season of intercollegiate competition. Led by head coach Ron Miller and assistant coach Alan Ogles, the pioneering squad finished its debut season with an 18-21-1 overall record while accomplishing a rare feat for a first-year program, winning the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference championship. Miller's leadership earned him OIC Coach of the Year honors as he guided the program through its formative season while also serving as a football assistant coach. The championship roster included Stacie Becker, Mandy Caster, Erin Curry, Shawn Engelhart, Marty Garner, Amy Hodges, Kellie Jeffs, Bonnie Knapp, Jennifer Landrith, Tammy Odom, Kate Reynolds, Jennifer Sperling, Shawn Tinker, Staci Tompkins, and Jacinta Verret. Together, this group established the culture and competitive foundation that continue to define ECU Softball today.
To submit a nomination for the class of 2027, please click HERE.
