03/31/2026
The Alabama Sports Officials Foundation is proud to announce the Officials Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This eighth class of inductees features 10 outstanding individuals who have combined for more than 360 years of officiating service. Each honoree has officiated championship contests at the state high school, collegiate conference, or national level. Four of this year’s inductees will be honored posthumously.
The 2026 class includes Herbert Bailey, Douglas “Doug” K. Baxter, Andy Britton, William “Bill” Chappell, Dawn W. Dismukes, Todd Garrison, Mark Russell, Rob Skelton, Troy Sumner, and Jay Vines.
The induction ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, at the Oxford Civic Center.
Herbert Bailey dedicated 46 years to officiating in the Amateur Softball Association (ASA), working district, state, regional, and national tournaments. His excellence earned him induction into the ASA Hall of Fame in 2007, where he was described as “perhaps the most loved umpire in Alabama ASA history.” He also officiated numerous AHSAA softball championships and served as a camp instructor. A proud military veteran, Bailey served in the Korean War and later with the Mobile Army National Guard during Operation Desert Storm.
Douglas “Doug” K. Baxter, a graduate of Auburn University and Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, excelled as a multi-sport official, working AHSAA state championships in baseball, football, and wrestling. He served as the State Director for Wrestling and was named State Baseball Umpire of the Year in 2017. Baxter also officiated the 2022 Dixie Majors World Series and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2026.
Andy Britton brings 32 years of football officiating experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Over a 26-year college career, including 15 years in the Southeastern Conference, he officiated nine postseason bowl games and the 2019 SEC Championship Game. He also served nine years as Chaplain of the SEC Football Officials Association and contributed to multiple conferences including the Southland, Ohio Valley, and Sun Belt.
William “Bill” Chappell compiled an impressive 45-year career officiating football and basketball, along with 25 years in baseball. He worked multiple AHSAA state football championships, including three Super Six title games, and officiated two NCAA Division II National Championships—one alongside his son. Chappell also contributed at the collegiate level in both football and basketball within the Gulf South Conference.
Dawn W. Dismukes has dedicated nearly four decades to volleyball officiating, including 37 years at the high school level and 27 years in college. A graduate of Holtville High School, she has officiated numerous state championships and earned Official of the Year honors. Her collegiate work spans major conferences including the SEC, Sun Belt, Conference USA, ASUN, OVC, SWAC, Gulf South, Peach Belt, AAC, and Southern Conferences.
Todd Garrison, honored posthumously, built an exceptional 17-year football officiating career before his passing in 2025 at age 35. Beginning as an intramural official at Jacksonville State University, he rose to officiate five Super Seven Championships, including one alongside his father. His talent earned him positions in the Gulf South and Ohio Valley Conferences, and he was named East Central District Official of the Year in 2024.
Mark Russell has devoted 29 years to high school football officiating while also serving as Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission and former Huntsville City Council President. He has officiated eight Super Seven championship games and was named AHSAA State Official of the Year in 2022. In recognition of his impact, the City of Huntsville opened the Mark Russell Recreation Center in 2020.
Rob Skelton began his officiating career in 1985 and has since built a distinguished résumé across multiple levels. After working a state championship game in 1995, he advanced to collegiate officiating in the Southland Conference, Conference USA, and ultimately the Southeastern Conference, where he served for 18 years. His career highlights include SEC Championship Games and numerous postseason bowl appearances, including College Football Playoff semifinals.
Troy Sumner, honored posthumously, dedicated 38 years to basketball officiating. Beginning with a state championship assignment in 1980, he became a consistent presence in the AHSAA state tournament for over two decades. He also officiated collegiate basketball for 27 years and received the Greg Brewer Distinguished Service Award in 2002.
Jay Vines has devoted 48 years to football officiating, beginning as an intramural official at the University of Alabama. A former player under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Vines went on to officiate 28 years at the collegiate level, including 21 seasons in the SEC. His career includes SEC Championship Games, Division I-AA playoff assignments, and numerous bowl appearances. He has also served in sports administration with the Andrews Sports Medicine Group for over 30 years
