Meet the 2026 Athletic Wall of Fame Inductees!

AKRON CENTRAL SCHOOL ATHLETIC WALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES
POWERHOUSE CLASS OF NEW INDUCTEES ON OCTOBER 1st

AKRON, NEW YORK (September 18, 2026) – The Akron Central School Athletic “Wall of Fame” Committee has announced the 2026 class of inductees, along with details for the upcoming induction ceremony. The event will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in the performance gymnasium as part of the school’s Homecoming week festivities. This year’s class includes two individual athletes with exceptional athletic careers, two long-time coaches, and the presentation of the special “Eye of the Tiger” award.

     Zach Jordon (Class of 2011): A legendary two-sport athlete, Jordon was a four-year varsity baseball standout, serving as team captain and earning two-time All-League, MVP, Most Valuable Hitter, and Most Valuable Pitcher honors. He continued his baseball career at SUNY Fredonia, where he cemented himself in the school's record books, graduating with the second-most wins, appearances, complete games, and innings pitched, as well as the fourth-most strikeouts and saves in program history.

     The second athlete to be inducted will be Abigail Stone (Class of 2018): One of the most decorated female athletes in Akron history, Stone excelled in both field hockey and softball. In field hockey, she was a four-time Team MVP, a five-time 1st Team All-League selectee, and a four-time 1st Team All-State player. Her softball career was equally dominant, featuring six 1st Team All-League honors and four 1st Team All-State selections. She went on to play at St. Bonaventure University and has since returned to Akron to give back as an assistant field hockey coach.

     Two long-time powerhouse coaches will also be added to the Wall of Fame: Brenda Sundown and Gary Sundown.

     Brenda Sundown (Coach and Class of 2002): A transcendent figure in Akron sports, Sundown won the Jim Downey Award as the Most Outstanding Senior Athlete in high school, pitching a no-hitter in softball and dominating in volleyball and basketball. After winning a national title at Genesee Community College in volleyball, she returned to Akron to become the winningest volleyball coach in school history, amassing a 117-63 record, five N-O League Championships, and three Section VI Finals appearances.

     Gary Sundown (Class of 1987 - Coach): Dedicating 25 years (2000–2025) to coaching lacrosse, girls volleyball, and girls basketball across all levels, Sundown is highly revered for building Akron’s varsity lacrosse program into a powerhouse. As head lacrosse coach, he secured a spectacular 122-43 record, capturing multiple Section VI and League Championships, two undefeated regular seasons, and two NYS Far-West Regional titles. His immense impact earned him the 2016 USA Lacrosse Man of the Year and the prestigious 2025 John Faller Memorial Award.

     This year, Bonnie Lee and Tom James have been selected for the “Eye of the Tiger” award. The Jameses are being recognized for decades of unmatched service, support, coaching, and spirit dedicated to student-athletes across every program the school offers. The Wall of Fame committee created the special award to recognize significant supporters of the ACS athletic program who may not be athletes or coaches themselves.

     The Wall of Fame Committee asks fans and community members to join in the celebration on Thursday, October 1. The induction ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM in the performance gymnasium.  The inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade through the Village of Akron beginning at 4:30 PM. The new inductees will also be recognized on the field during halftime of the football game.

     For additional information, please contact Mr. Justin Gerstung, ACS Wall of Fame Committee Chairman, at (716)542-5040 ext. 6126 and visit the website www.akronschools.org/WOF.