Five male coaches and athletes celebrated their accomplishments last week, during the 40th Newport News Track Hall of Fame. After two years, in conjunction with the Conn-Madden relays, this was the first ceremony since the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Coach Juan Jackson, coach Jerome Rhodes, Terrence Riggins, Derrick Robbins Sr. and Maurice Peirce, were inducted at the ceremony for their contributions to the Newport News area.
For almost two decades, Coach Jackson coached track and football in the Newport News system along with fellow inductee, Coach Rhodes, who was the assistant track coach for Woodside High School. Rhodes has had 18 years of teaching and coaching in addition to being named Warhill High School’s 2022 teacher of the year.
Riggins was a Virginia AAA state champion and is also the second team member from the 2007 Denbigh team to be inducted into the Newport News Hall of Fame. When Robbins was in highschool he set records including the fastest freshman finish in the mile run.
The last inductee, Pierce is currently the Hampton University track and field coach who has led the team to 33 championships. In addition to his current experience, he also coached Olympic and World Championship Medalists.
Since the NNPS couldn't have induction ceremonies during the COVID-19 pandemic, three of the inductees were from the previous year’s hall of fame in 2020. The two groups were recognized together in one ceremony this year for the return.
This event took place at the Todd Stadium in Newport News for two days.