COLUMBUS, Ga. – Four Cougar greats will take their place in Columbus State Athletics history as members of the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class. This year's inductees are Chatil Bradford-Cotton (Track and Field/Women's Basketball), Jimbo Davis (Cheer Coach and Athletic Administrator), Kenney Funderburk (Men's Basketball), and Ja'Cori Payne (Men's Basketball).
The class brings together a two-sport standout in track and field and women's basketball, a championship-winning coach and longtime administrator, and two all-conference men's basketball standouts. Together, their careers represent decades of achievement and dedication to Columbus State University.
"The Columbus State Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding individuals whose achievements, dedication and commitment have helped shape the history of Cougar athletics," said Scott Miller, President of the Columbus State Athletics Hall of Fame. "The 2026 class represents the excellence and tradition that make Columbus State so special, and we are proud to recognize these deserving honorees for their lasting contributions to our university. Their accomplishments continue to inspire our student-athletes and strengthen the pride we share in Cougar Athletics."
"Each member of our 2026 Hall of Fame class has given Cougar fans something to celebrate and future generations something to aspire to," Director of Athletics Justin Hay said. "We are proud to recognize their achievements and the impact they have made on Columbus State. I appreciate Scott Miller and the entire Hall of Fame Committee for their dedication to preserving our history and honoring those who helped shape it."
2026 COLUMBUS STATE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS:
Chatil Bradford-Cotton, Track and Field/Women's Basketball (2010–14)
Chatil Bradford-Cotton excelled in two sports at Columbus State, earning conference championships in track and field and postseason recognition on the basketball court.
Bradford-Cotton delivered championship performances in the throwing events. At the 2013 PBC Championships, she set a championship meet record in the discus with a throw of 42.32 meters and won the shot put with a mark of 12.53 meters.
A two-time PBC track and field individual champion, Bradford-Cotton earned four All-PBC selections in the shot put and discus and was named PBC Track and Field Athlete of the Week three times.
She also excelled on the basketball court, scoring 972 points, collecting 501 rebounds, and shooting 44.1 percent from the field across 104 games. As a senior, she averaged 16.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning Second Team All-PBC honors for the 2013–14 season and being named the 2014 PBC Women's Basketball Tournament MVP.
Her accomplishments across both programs reflect a versatile collegiate career defined by success on the court and in the field.
Jimbo Davis, Cheer Coach and Athletic Administrator (1994–2026)
Jimbo Davis dedicated 32 years to Columbus State, building a championship tradition as head cheer coach while serving the department as senior associate athletic director. His contributions extended across coaching, administration, and support for the university's student-athletes.
Under Davis' leadership, CSU Cheer captured 25 Peach Belt Conference championships and seven national championships across UCA and NCA, including five team titles and two coed partner stunts titles. His teams maintained remarkable consistency on the national stage, earning top-five national finishes for 25 consecutive years.
Davis also led the CSU Dance Team to six conference championships. Beyond competition, he served as the CSU Athletic Foundation liaison and Athletic Hall of Fame coordinator, helping support the department's future while preserving and celebrating its history.
Davis was inducted into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and was named to Who's Who Among College Cheerleading Coaches.
Davis' championship success and decades of service left a lasting legacy across Columbus State Athletics.
Kenney Funderburk, Men's Basketball (2013–15)
Kenney Funderburk made a significant impact during his two seasons with Columbus State Men's Basketball, scoring 991 points in just 57 games. He averaged 17.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field.
Funderburk totaled 179 rebounds, 129 assists, and 65 steals during his CSU career. In 2014–15, he scored 571 points and averaged 19.0 points per game, helping lead the Cougars to the PBC Championship game and a berth in the NCAA Tournament while earning recognition at the conference, regional, and national levels.
His standout 2014–15 season earned him Division II Bulletin All-America Honorable Mention, NABC First Team All-Southeast District honors, and Daktronics First Team All-Southeast Region recognition. Funderburk was also a two-time All-PBC selection, including First Team honors in 2014–15.
Funderburk's scoring production and contributions across the court established him as a standout performer during his time in a Cougar uniform.
Ja'Cori Payne, Men's Basketball (2014–18)
Ja'Cori Payne combined efficient scoring with playmaking throughout his Columbus State Men's Basketball career, finishing with 1,347 points across 93 games.
Payne averaged 14.5 points and 2.7 assists per game while totaling 253 assists and 97 steals. He shot 47.7 percent from the field, 39.4 percent from three-point range, and 83.0 percent from the free-throw line.
His highest-scoring season came in 2016–17, when he totaled 574 points and averaged a career-best 19.1 points per game, helping lead the Cougars to the PBC Championship game and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Payne earned Second Team All-PBC honors in both 2016–17 and 2017–18, receiving all-conference recognition in consecutive seasons.
With consecutive all-conference selections and more than 1,300 career points, Payne left a lasting mark on the Columbus State Men's Basketball program.
The 2026 and 2027 classes will be formally inducted into the Columbus State Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Friday, February 12, 2027. The inductees will also be recognized at halftime of the men's basketball game against Georgia College on Saturday, February 13.
The Columbus State Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1995 to honor individuals whose achievements and contributions have left a lasting impact on CSU Athletics. It celebrates the student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters who have helped shape the Cougars' tradition of excellence.
Nominations for the 2027 Columbus State Athletics Hall of Fame class are open effective immediately. To nominate a deserving candidate, click here.
