POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River Community College Athletics will once again celebrate some of the best to ever do it when it hosts its annual Athletics Hall of Fame banquet on July 31.
The banquet will be held at the Hollywood Casino & Resort.
Pearl River will proudly induct four new members of into its Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class: Judy Barber (softball), Donald Bridges (football), Jimmy Cuyler (men's basketball) and Jered Salazar (baseball). One of PRCC's biggest supporters, Robert "Scooter" Parris will be this year's Spirit of a Wildcat Award recipient. PRCC will announce its reunion teams at a later date.
In addition to the banquet, PRCC will hold its annual four-person scramble golf tournament at The Bridges Golf Club. After overwhelming demand in recent years, Pearl River will again offer two flights for the tournament — stretched across two days. The first flight will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 30. The second flight will take place Friday, July 31 at 8 a.m.
Prior to the banquet, PRCC will host a social at 6 p.m., with the banquet set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Banquet tickets are $100, and golf teams are $600. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets for both the golf tournament and banquet can be purchased by visiting PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. All tickets must be purchased in advance; no walk-up tickets will be available.
JUDY BARBER
Barber turned in one of the most dominant single-season offensive performances in program history during her lone season as a Wildcat. In 2008, she hit a PRCC softball program-record .500 while belting eight home runs, recording 51 hits and driving in 43 runs. She earned All-MACJC and All-Region 23 honors.
She continued her standout career at William Carey University, where she was named GCAC Player of the Year while also earning All-GCAC, GCAC All-Tournament and First Team All-American honors.
DONALD BRIDGES
Bridges was a cornerstone of two of Pearl River's most successful football teams. Starting as a true freshman, he played a key role on an undefeated 1969 squad and followed it by helping lead the Wildcats to the 1970 conference championship.
Bridges was named MVP of the championship game, catching the Wildcats' first touchdown to swing momentum. A true ironman, he played both split end and free safety, logging every minute of all 11 games before signing with University of Southern Mississippi.
JIMMY CUYLER
Cuyler was a key contributor during a successful era of Pearl River basketball, playing alongside Hall of Famer Conley Verdun and helping the Wildcats capture a championship.
He delivered one of the most memorable performances in program history with 32 points and 10 rebounds in the Final Four of the conference tournament. He averaged 25 points and eight rebounds during the tournament appearance and earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition.
JERED SALAZAR
Salazar authored one of the most effective pitching seasons in Pearl River baseball history in 2002. He tossed 114 2/3 innings — the second-most in a single season in program history — while striking out 94 batters, ranking ninth all-time. He paired that workload with exceptional efficiency, finishing with a 2.04 ERA.
Salazar went on to sign with University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
SPIRIT OF A WILDCAT AWARD
This year's Spirit of a Wildcat Award will be presented to Robert "Scooter" Parris, one of Pearl River's most passionate and recognizable supporters.
A familiar face across campus, Parris previously served the college by driving the "Wildcat Express," delivering packages throughout campus and becoming a beloved figure in the process. He retired from Pearl River in 2023.
Parris can be found at nearly every Wildcat athletic event, consistently supporting PRCC student-athletes. He has continued his tradition of service in retirement, most notably during Pearl River baseball games where he tosses out peanuts and Cracker Jacks during the seventh-inning stretch — a role that has made him a fan favorite.
PREVIOUS INDUCTEES
Previous inductees planning to attend the banquet are encouraged to contact Mary Alice Chandler at mchandler@prcc.edu or 601-403-1193 to provide their jacket size. The deadline to submit jacket information will be announced at a later date.
Inductees who register before the deadline will be able to pick up their jackets at the ceremony. Former inductees attending the banquet are encouraged to wear their jackets.
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Sponsorship packages are available for both the banquet and golf tournament. To secure a sponsorship package or donate to the event, contact Chandler at mchandler@prcc.edu or 601-403-1193.
HOW TO NOMINATE
Know a former Wildcat who should be considered in the future? Nominate by visiting PRCCAthletics.com/HOF and clicking the nomination form link at the top of the page.
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