January 23, 2026 — With great pride, Osborne High School recently inducted the Class of 2026 into its Athletic Hall of Fame with a capacity crowd of family members, friends, and fans. The event celebrated the rich athletic tradition of excellence, leadership, and service to the Cardinal community.
Emceed by Class of 1996 alumnus and veteran Atlanta sports broadcaster Chris Mooneyham, the ceremony honored three individual athletes and one legendary team. The ceremony also concluded with what the Hall of Fame Committee considers to be the highest honor it can bestow — an individual jersey/number retirement.
Milton Beck (Class of 1983)
One of the most decorated athletes in Osborne history, Beck played sports year-round and earned eight varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. He was selected five times as All-County and twice for the MDJ's Dynamite Dozen.
He helped lead the Cardinals to their first winning season since 1974, was a three-year starting point guard in basketball, and qualified for the state track meet in the long jump. He played collegiately at Western Carolina University, where his teammates elected him team captain.
After college, Beck spent 30 years in law enforcement, retiring as Chief Deputy of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. He told of a scary moment when he was in a major accident on I-75. "I realized my life was on cruise control and God was in the back seat," Beck said about the life-changing event.
"Don't put your life on cruise control. Call your Mom or Dad or that person you have a grudge against. Let them know you're thinking about them," Beck advised the Hall of Fame crowd.
In recognition of his enduring impact on and off the field, Beck's number 11 football jersey was also officially retired.
Jason Jones (Class of 1995)
A standout baseball player, Jones helped lead Osborne to multiple region championships before becoming one of the greatest players in Division II baseball history at Kennesaw State University. A two-time All-American and Division II National Player of the Year, Jones went on to play Major League Ball with the Texas Rangers in 2003, becoming the second Osborne Cardinal to play in MLB. He got a hit in his first game for the Rangers and a homerun in his second.
A cancer survivor, Jones spoke briefly but powerfully, thanking God, the Hall of Fame Committee, and those closest to him.
"I want to thank family and friends for being here. You truly don't know how much you mean to me," Jones said with gratitude.
Lawrence Schnall (Class of 1973)
Regarded as the greatest boys' tennis player in Cardinal history, Schnall was a three-time Cobb County champion, two-time region champ, and a state semifinalist. His induction into the Osborne Hall of Fame completes the trifecta, as he is already a member of the West Georgia Athletics Hall of Fame and the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame.
A self-taught player who discovered tennis by watching Wimbledon on television, Schnall captured three Cobb County championships, two region titles, and reached the state semifinals in 1973. He earned a scholarship to the University of West Georgia, where he became a two-time All-American and won eight conference titles. In addition, he won multiple USTA national championships, 18 international titles, and an ITF World Championship. He is one of Georgia’s top teaching professionals and serves as Director of Tennis and Pickleball at Pine Tree Country Club.
Schnall said he was grateful for the memories and the friendships he forged while at Osborne, but he also took the opportunity to name-drop.
"Tennis has allowed me to meet Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Martina Navratilova, Billy Jean King, and the two Johns—Elton and Olivia Newton," he said to laughter from the crowd.
He also told how he got to meet legendary Georgia Tech football coach Bobby Dodd.
"He wanted to meet me," Schnall said with a smile. "I thought that was pretty cool."
1994 Cardinal Football Team
The most successful team in program history, the 1994 Cardinals posted a 9–1 regular-season record, earned a state ranking, and set school records for most wins (9) and points scored (301). This team’s success on the field helped to bring the Osborne community together and establish an unforgettable legacy of unity, toughness, and belief.
Led by head coach Bryan Powell, the Cardinals captured the imagination of the school and community, producing unforgettable wins, including a dramatic homecoming victory over rival Campbell.
Rob Tate spoke on behalf of his teammates about the enduring brotherhood formed during that season. It was evident that this season and this team still loom large in Osborne history. Most of the team was present and cheered as Tate recalled a few of his fondest memories. He also called on them to remember two fallen teammates, Jaques Hall and Anthony Coleman. Assistant Coach Clark Boler also passed in 2013.
"I just want to say that this group is such a brotherhood," Tate said about his Cardinal teammates. "All these guys are my best friends. It's 30 years later, and we still talk about everything: our kids, families, parents, [and] jobs. We network with each other. These guys are truly my family, through and through."
A Legacy to Build On
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class exemplifies what current Osborne leaders are trying to teach through their athletic mission: Developing gritty, humble leaders prepared for life beyond sports. They will forever serve as a reminder that character, service, and friendship are what define true greatness.
Congratulations, Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026! Thank you for the example and the memories. Now go and make some more...!
