Sports Hall of Fame held last night on the Goodman Campus
The 2023 Sports Hall of Fame was held last night in Frank Branch Coliseum on the Goodman Campus.
Congratulations to the 2023 Holmes Community College Sports Hall of Fame inductees Terrance Akins, Lurena Holmes, the late Dan Edwards (received by his wife, Maria), Martin Palomo, Martin Latiker and Gabe Alaniz. They were honored on the Goodman Campus tonight. Thanks to the Holmes Cheerleaders and Ambassadors for helping out at this year's event and to Director of Alumni Affairs Katherine Ellard for a fabulous event.
TERRANCE AKINS, BASKETBALL SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Terrance Terrell Akins, a native a Little Rock, Arkansas, is being inducted into the Holmes Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in men's Basketball.
Akins graduated from Little Rock Parkview High School where he played on a 2002 state championship team. During the 2003 season, he was named All-Arkansas Team by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette after averaging 16 points per game and was a runner-up for the state's Mr. Basketball award as a senior. He played under Head Coach Al Flanigan at Parkview, father of UALR Assistant Coach Wes Flanigan who is now the assistant coach at Auburn University (both family members of the current Men's Basketball Coach at Holmes, Jason Flanigan).
When Akins arrived at Holmes he was ready to play; he topped 1,000 career points in just two seasons. His hard work on the court payed off with being a two-time First-Team All-Conference selection under Head Coach Todd Kimble and twice named First Team All-State for Mississippi junior colleges. The accolades continued to stack up while at Holmes. He was named Co-Freshman of the Year after averaging 19.6 points per game in his first year.
In addition to his scoring abilities, Akins hit on 46 percent of his attempts from the field, 36 percent from beyond the arc and 72.6 percent from the free-throw line, while averaging 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game to help the Bulldogs to a 17-9 overall record and a second place conference finish (10-2). He scored 34 and 30 points in two games against Northwest Mississippi Community College. As a sophomore, Akins averaged 21.6 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals per game.
After Holmes, Akins continued on to play for the Little Rock Trojans. As a junior he made his first appearance as a Trojan against Appalachian State in the Jack Stephens Center. He sank his first shot as a Division-I player (a three pointer) in front of the hometown fans.
In his career for the Trojans he played in all 30 games with a team-high 29 starts. He ranked second on the team in scoring and 25th in the Sun Belt Conference at 12.3 points per game. He led the Trojans with 77 made three pointers, a .401 three-point percentage and 26 steals. He finished eighth in the Sun Belt and 50th in the NCAA rankings for three-point percentage, and sixth in the conference and 93rd nationally in made three pointers per game (2.57). He also totaled a career-high five steals in a 58-56 win over UT Martin. Finishing up the season with an a team-high of 311 field goals on the year and ranked second on the squad with 127 made field goals (40.8 percent). He made just 41 trips to the foul line but converted 37 of his attempts for a .902 free-throw percentage.
Akins majored in health science with a minor in criminal justice. He currently lives in Little Rock and works for the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. He has a daughter Reagan Skye Akins (13). He is the son of Tracy Akins but his biggest supporter, Cherry "Bean" Platt rarely missed any of Akins games in his whole career.
GABE ALANIZ, FOOTBALL / GOLF SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Gabriel "Gabe" Alaniz, a native of Deer Park, Texas, is being inducted into the Holmes Sports Hall of Fame for football at the 2023 banquet held in Frank Branch Coliseum in Goodman.
Alaniz played football during the 1996 and 1997 football seasons under Hugh Shurden and Tony Cook. According to the Junior College National Standings at the end of the 1996 season he finished fourth in total yards and fifth in passing yards. Also, during Alaniz's freshman year one of the 1996 highlights was the football team went to the state championship.
"My mom and dad really supported me while I was at Holmes. They drove seven hours every single Thursday for two years and did not miss a game," Alaniz said.
While at Holmes, he was also active in the Holmes choir. The group traveled to Spain on a school related trip and Alaniz remembers it as one of his most memorable experiences at Holmes.
"Making great friends in just two years, that I still keep up with on a regular basis, is one of my fondest memories," said Alaniz.
Alaniz went on to play at Middle Tennessee State University where he earned a degree in Industrial Technology Construction Management in 2000.
Now, Alaniz lives in League City, Texas, with his wife, Jessica, and their two kids: Presley (14) and Madeline (10).
DANIEL EDWARDS, SOFTBALL COACH SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Jesse Daniel "Dan" Edwards held many roles during his lifetime, including family man, military hero, teacher, coach, community leader, and friend.
He was born in Brandon and attended Farmhaven, and Canton High School. He also attended the Naval Academy Prep School, and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
During his 25 years in the United States Navy, he was in the Special Forces and served in Viet Nam. He was also on the Navy Golden Gloves Boxing Team and track team which earne him a spot to be an alternate for the Olympics.
Following several tours in Vietnam, he earned a degree in engineering from the University of Colorado. Later, he earned a Masters Degree in history and additional graduate work in political science from Mississippi State University. He also earned an Associate's Degree from Holmes Community College where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He played football, tennis, and ran track from 1961-1963.
After retiring from the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, he, his wife Maria, and their three children moved to Lexington.
From 1989 to 1993, Edwards coached and taught at Carroll Academy, Central Holmes Academy, and Benton Academy. As a result, he was known to many in the community as "Coach Edwards."
He joined the Holmes family in 1994; he started the Holmes' Women Softball Program, building the field and facilities from the ground up, and served as a successful head coach until 2005. In 1995, he began his work as an instructor, teaching history and government, a position he held until he retired in 2012. He was committed to his students in the classroom and the girls on his softball team. Edwards loved history and political science. He authored two books and wrote almost every single day.
Some of his fondest memories at Holmes include starting a successful softball program, coaching his daughters, teaching and inspiring countless students.
Edwards' wife Maria lives in Lexington. She was also an instructor at Holmes for 33 years teaching Spanish, French, and Developmental English. Edwards has 5 children: Vince Edwards, Sheila Edwards, Chuck Edwards, Candice Parish, and Bethy Jones; eleven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Both Candice and Bethy attended Holmes and played basketball and softball. One of his grandsons, Gibson Parish will be attending Holmes in the fall of 2023.
Edwards was involved with the Rotary Club, serving as President and winning the Paul Harris Award. He was a member Lexington Masonic Lodge, a charter member of the Lexington Preservation Commission and the Holmes County Softball Program.
LURENA HOLMES, BASKETBALL SPORTS HALL OF FAME
LuRena Holmes is a native of Carroll County and a graduate of J. Z. George High School. She is being inducted into Holmes Sports Hall Fame for Women's Basketball.
Holmes played basketball for the 2004 -2005 season under Coach Chanda Rigby and the 2005- 2006 basketball season under, Coach Ron Aldy.
In 2006, Holmes held the best free throw record on the team and was recognized for her outstanding offense game on the court.
"I will always cherish the moments we prayed together as a team and encouraged each other to be the best we could be on and off the court," Holmes said.
Continuing at the next level of basketball, Holmes signed with Belhaven University where she excelled on the court again for offense. She earned a bachelor of social science in 2009, while at Belhaven.
Later, Holmes went back to school at Mississippi Valley State to earn her master's of social work in 2018. Since earning her latest degree she has worked in child protection services where she has gained extensive knowledge in her field.
Currently, Holmes serves as a Diversion Coordinator in the mental health field.
Holmes was inducted into the Mississippi Valley State University society of leadership and success (2017) and 40 under 40 beta cohort (2022). The Greenwood Commonwealth voted her top 30 under 40 in 2021 for her community achievements.
Holmes and her husband Calvin live in Carroll County with five children: Corey (14) Corvin (14), Cirena (12), Callia (9) and Calvin (3).
MARTIN L LATIKER, BASKETBALL SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Martin Latiker, a native of Sallis and graduate of McAdams High School is being inducted into the Holmes Sports Hall of Fame for his double lettering at Holmes in basketball and track.
In high school, Latiker played on back-to-back state championship basketball teams during the 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons. His high school career was on fire, and he was listed as one of the Top 50 players in Mississippi in 1984.
In 1984, Latiker committed to Holmes to play under Bennie Kimble for two years. The Holmes Men's Basketball team had two North Championships appearances during that time. He was recognized for his defensive skills and best free throws during his time on the basketball court at Holmes. He was on the All-State team two consecutive seasons and a team captain in the 1985-1986 season.
Among some of his other basketball career highlights at Holmes were honorable mention two seasons back to back, best defense MVP 1986 and best college free throws two seasons in a row.
Not only did Latiker excel on the basketball court but he placed third in the state in track for the 3 mile run under Coach Ray Bridges for the Bulldogs.
"I remember Coach Kimble would say something in practice that would crack us up but we could not laugh until we got out of practice," Latiker said.
He received various scholarship offers to play at Arkansas State, Rust College, Northern Iowa University, Arkansas Pine Bluff, Mississippi Valley State and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Letters of intent were also sent from Jackson State, Delta State and Southern University.
"Coach Kimble had so much faith in me, plus, he invested so much time in me, for that I was always thankful," Latiker said.
Latiker was unable to accept any college offers due to personal hardships resulting in having to get a job and help support his mother who could not work.
Latiker had a long-time career with Milwaukee Tools as a material handler and forklift driver. He was a team leader at work as well.
Today Latiker lives in Sallis. He has four children: Fredrick (38), Tikyra (27), Martin (23) and Lewis (21). He does not miss a home game that the men's basketball team plays today and is one of the programs biggest supporters.
"I like to get to know the Holmes boys playing the game today," Latiker said.
MARTIN PALOMO, SOCCER SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Martin Palomo, a native of Madison and graduate of Madison Central High School, is being inducted into the Holmes Sports Hall of Fame. He played soccer for the Bulldogs in the 2002-2004 seasons.
Palomo was among the first teams on the Ridgeland Campus under Coach Matt Convertino. These first couple of soccer teams were instrumental in making the soccer program what it is today.
While at Holmes, Palomo was active on campus. He was an Ambassador, president of Phi Theta Kappa, inducted into the Hall of Fame, on the quiz bowl team and treasurer of the Student Government Association.
"I loved meeting people through the SGA and Ambassador programs," Palomo said.
Palomo was among the first in his family to attend college and credits Holmes for helping him be successful in academia and sports. He received a full ride to Millsaps College where he earned a bachelor's of business administration and an MBA.
"My experience at Holmes allowed me an opportunity to build a foundation that helped me when I applied at four-year institutions," Palomo said.
Currently, Palomo is the CEO and co-chief investment officer for Pinnacle Wealth in Madison. He bought the firm from the founder in April 2022. The company currently manages more than half a billion dollars, on behalf of their clients.
Palomo has been recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as a Leader in Finance (2009), Top 40 under 40 (2020) and Top CEO (2022).
Palomo lives in Jackson, Mississippi with his wife, Jennifer, and their three kids: Kristoffer (18), Isabella (16) and Gianna (9).