Leesville High School recognized former athletes Kavika Pittman and Michael Wheatley as 2026 inductees into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, honoring their athletic accomplishments at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
Pittman, a 1992 graduate of Leesville High School, earned All-District honors in football, basketball and track during his senior year.
In track and field, Pittman earned All-State honors after winning the long jump and setting a state record. He also placed third in the high jump and contributed points in the triple jump.
As a basketball player, Pittman helped lead Coach Hub Jordan’s team to a 21-11 record and a playoff appearance.
His football accomplishments earned him a scholarship opportunity at McNeese State University, where he played and lettered for four years. During his collegiate career, Pittman earned All-Conference and All-American honors and received an invitation to participate in the Senior Bowl.
Pittman was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He played nine seasons in the NFL, spending most of his career with Dallas and also playing for Denver and Carolina.
In 2014, Pittman was inducted into the McNeese Cowboys Hall of Fame.
He currently resides in East Texas with his wife, Porsha. They have six children: Terrance, Duce, Pharoh, Torren, Haley and Saphire.
Michael “Mike” Wheatley, a 1965 graduate of Leesville High School, was recognized for his accomplishments in track and field and basketball.
During his senior year, Wheatley won state championships in the mile and half-mile events, setting state records in both competitions. His performances earned him All-State honors.
The records Wheatley established at the state meet also became Leesville High School records, remaining unbroken until 2024, nearly 60 years later.
Wheatley continued his athletic career at Louisiana State University, competing in track and cross country and earning three varsity letters.
While at LSU, he established school records in the mile and half-mile events. His name remains on LSU’s all-time record list for one of the top performances in the distance medley relay.
Wheatley also played basketball at Leesville High School, lettering during his senior year and helping lead the team to postseason competition under Coach Ralph Kees.
Following his graduation from LSU, Wheatley attended graduate school at Fullerton Theological Seminary and became a Presbyterian pastor, serving for more than 40 years.
He and his wife, Sandy, reside in West Chester, Ohio. They have two adult children, Erynn and Andrew.
The Vernon Parish School Board recognized both graduates as members of the Leesville High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.