The University of Idaho Athletics Department has unveiled its 2026 Hall of Fame class, marking the 10th cohort of inductees to join the prestigious honor roll. The class comprises seven individual athletes and the 1980-81 men’s basketball team that delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Basketball Team’s Historic Run
The 1980-81 Vandal basketball team, coached by Don Monson, compiled a 25-4 record and secured an NCAA Tournament berth—a landmark achievement for the program. The squad opened the season with 11 consecutive victories and posted a 12-2 conference record in Big Sky competition. That season marked the first time in school history that Idaho appeared in the UPI Coaches Poll, climbing as high as 16th in the rankings for three consecutive weeks.
The team’s dominance drew record support from Moscow fans. The squad attracted more than 9,000 spectators to a game against Montana on February 21, filling the Kibbie Dome to capacity. Conference MVP Brian Kellerman led the effort on the court, helping establish a baseline of excellence that would define the program for years to come.
Standout Individual Athletes
Joining the basketball team in this year’s class are seven accomplished athletes from across the Vandal roster. Keith Gilbertson, the legendary football coach, compiled a 28-9 record over three seasons directing the football program. His teams earned a spot in the FCS Playoffs each year, including a semifinal appearance. Overall, Gilbertson’s squads posted a .757 winning percentage and went 19-4 in Big Sky Conference play. His 1986 team won eight games before losing in the playoffs, while his 1987 squad captured a second conference title in three seasons. The 1988 team finished 9-1 in the regular season and claimed the top seed in the Division I-AA Playoffs.
Soccer standout Megan Cummings Knowles earned All-Big West honors three times during her career. In the 1999 season alone, she scored 11 goals with four assists. Her career totals place her second all-time in points with 66, third all-time in goals with 22, and second in assists with 22. She also owns six game-winning goals in school history.
Linebacker Jason Shelt was a defensive force on the field and an NCAA national champion. In 1993, he amassed 148 tackles—the second-most in school history—and earned Defensive MVP honors that year and again in 1996. Over his career, Shelt recorded seven interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
High jumper Steve Brown earned All-American distinction twice, establishing himself as one of the top field-event performers in program history. Golfer Kevin Burton also joins the class, rounding out the individual inductees.
What Comes Next
The University of Idaho will formally honor the 2026 Hall of Fame class during an induction ceremony scheduled for Friday, September 11, at the Best Western University Inn in Moscow. A no-host cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. The class will be further recognized during the Vandal Football game against Lamar on September 12.
The induction adds to a year of recognition for University of Idaho programs. Recent achievements have included University of Idaho Dairy Milk earning Brush Creek Creamery national cheese recognition, the launch of an equine education initiative, and five students joining the Roth Scholars leadership program—underscoring the breadth of excellence across campus.