In this 2008 photo, former Wallace State pitcher and current Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel delivers a pitch toward the plate during a Lions’ baseball game against an unknown opponent.

Of the many Lion alumni who have come through Wallace State, a vast number have proved themselves in the sports realm.

As more and more elite athletes, such as four-time MLB All-Star Craig Kimbrel and New York Yankee call-up Zelous Wheeler, join the ranks of alumni, Wallace State is now looking at how to keep athletes connected and involved with their alma mater.

One way of doing just that is through alumni awards or banquets.

“We have a long-range plan, and that’s on it,” Wallace State special projects director Ladonna Allen said. “We’re looking at doing athletics (more) next year.”

With the 50th anniversary of Wallace State set for 2016, Allen said the school could tie the milestone and sports alumni together that year.

Some teams, such as the Lady Lions’ softball and cheerleading squads, have done their own reunions in the past.

Cheer coach Rob Metcalf said that one of his championship squads held a 10-year reunion just this spring.

“Most of them — probably 95 percent — still keep in contact on a regular basis,” said Metcalf, who’s finishing his 20th year with the program.

He added he hopes to put on another reunion with his 2006 championship team.

“Before I retire, I’d like to have a reunion (with all my former squads),” he said.

In order to encourage more alumni participation at specific reunions, Allen suggests researching past teams and compiling appropriate lists.

Wallace State’s most prominent alumnus has by far been Kimbrel, who pitched in Hanceville from 2007-08. Since then, the closer has been “a tremendous ambassador” according to Lions head baseball coach Randy Putman.

“When his name is mentioned, most of the time, Wallace State is affiliated with Craig Kimbrel,” Putman said. “I think what he has accomplished is tremendous, and I think it’s what we stand for: excellence.”

Allen said it would be difficult — without sponsorship — for Wallace State to finance bringing in top stars such as Kimbrel.

“It’s not like we have money to pay,” she said.

Instead, Allen said the college would hope to see alumni return “out of the goodness of heart.”

Regardless, Allen said as the junior college approaches its 50th anniversary, “It’s going to be a very interesting year.”