Adapted Athletics Leaders to Lead Homecoming Parade
Professors Brent Hardin and Margaret Stran will lead the October 24 parade in honor of their 20 years of athletic development.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Running
Live Poll
Should your local university prioritize expanding athletics programs for students with disabilities?
University of Alabama kinesiology professors Brent Hardin and Margaret Stran are set to serve as grand marshals for the 2026 Homecoming Parade on October 24. They are being recognized for their long-term leadership in the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics program.
Why it matters
The program has become a central hub for inclusive sports, growing from a small group to an powerhouse that claimed 24 national championships over two decades. Their work highlights the expanding landscape of collegiate opportunities for para athletes.
The University of Alabama Adapted Athletics program has grown from five initial athletes in 2003 to 40 participants by 2026. This expansion, which includes wheelchair basketball, tennis, and para track and field, has resulted in 24 national championships to date.
The players
Brent Hardin
An associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Alabama who co-founded the university's Adapted Athletics program.
Margaret Stran
An associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Alabama who co-founded the university's Adapted Athletics program.
The details
Professors Hardin and Stran developed the adapted athletics department by securing funding from the university and donors to construct specialized infrastructure. This effort led to the 2018 opening of the Stran-Hardin Arena, the first collegiate facility dedicated to an adapted athletics program in the United States, followed by the Parker-Haun Tennis Facility in 2021. Their leadership supported the pipeline that saw 18 current and former athletes participate in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Timeline
2003: Adapted Athletics program founded at the University of Alabama.
2018: Stran-Hardin Arena opened as a dedicated facility.
2021: Parker-Haun Tennis Facility built.
2024: 18 athletes participated in the Paris Paralympic Games.
October 24, 2026: Hardin and Stran lead the Homecoming Parade.
Health Landscape
The University of Alabama Adapted Athletics program serves as a national benchmark for the integration of competitive para sports into collegiate environments. This progress tracks the broader evolution of adaptive exercise programs from niche offerings to institutionalized athletic departments.
The development of facilities like the Stran-Hardin Arena highlights the importance of accessible athletic infrastructure in encouraging consistent physical activity. Those interested in adaptive sports can consult their local university or community recreation center to explore similar regional programs.
The takeaway
Inclusive sports programs are essential for promoting long-term health and athletic performance among students with physical disabilities. Consider checking local community resources for adaptive exercise groups if you are looking for inclusive ways to stay active.
Further reading
For more on local sports initiatives, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Crimson White.
Live Poll
Should your local university prioritize expanding athletics programs for students with disabilities?
