Centenary University Inducts Five Individuals and One Team into Athletic Hall of Fame

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Feb. 17, 2026—Centenary University Athletics recently inducted five alumni and one team into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Held in Reeves
Gymnasium on the Centenary University campus, the event honored an outstanding group of Cyclones whose excellence helped elevate Centenary athletics to new heights across multiple sports.

This year’s inductees are Meagan Madsen ’14, a softball standout and one of the program’s most decorated players; Chris Burdge ’14, an All-American wrestler and cornerstone of Centenary's nationally recognized wrestling legacy; Jessica Sikora ’05, one of the most dominant players in the history of Centenary women’s soccer; baseball star Nigel Archibald ’05, whose leadership and production were crucial in establishing Centenary baseball as a conference powerhouse; and the 2005 Centenary Baseball Team, which captured the conference championship and became just one of two Cyclones teams ever to advance to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

In addition, Fred Mangione ’93 received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his remarkable professional success. A member of the Centenary University Board of Trustees and 2015 honorary degree recipient, Mangione is the chief business officer for the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee. His post-graduate achievements exemplify the values of leadership, excellence, and commitment that the university instills in its student-athletes.

The evening began with opening comments from Director of Athletics Pete Vincent, a 2007 graduate of Centenary. “This is a wonderful night to celebrate the past, but also the present and future of Centenary University,” Vincent said. “Tonight, we’re honoring their college achievements and lifetime greatness. I want to acknowledge the coaches and athletes we’ve had at Centenary. They created the culture that today’s student-athletes have the privilege of experiencing. That culture has poured over into the entire campus community.”

Next, Centenary University President John R. Schol reinforced the spirit of excellence that Cyclone student-athletes have cultivated on campus. “Centenary University is a place that launches students into successful careers and successful lives. We focus on student success, university vitality, and engaging people in the world to make a difference,” President Schol said. “Exceptional athletes and coaches make the whole team rise. Their leadership, their determination, their great talent, and their skills all help the whole team to do better. And so tonight, we recognize those persons who help the whole team to rise.”

During presentations to honorees, the newest members of the Athletic Hall of Fame discussed the importance of support from family and teammates as they progressed from youth and high school sports to compete at the NCAA Division III level. Describing herself initially as timid and self-conscious, Madsen recalled a lifetime of support from her parents, including pitching lessons with her father: “My parents discovered that sports helped me to overcome these difficulties. Ultimately, softball became an outlet where I was able to find myself, my voice, and my confidence.” Of her family, Sikora said, “I thank my family for being so incredibly supportive. I think about all the sacrifices my mom and dad made. My family constantly sacrificed so I could chase my dreams.

Recalling how Coach John Garriques built a wrestling program culture that has produced countless All Americans, Burdge noted, “My junior year, we went to nationals as a team, and we had a lot to prove. Everybody was looking at us, like who’s Centenary? We went down there and took third as a team—in the entire country.” Archibald lauded late Cyclones baseball coach Dave Sawicki for instilling a can-do attitude in his team: “When I said ‘I can’t’, Dave told me to remove that word from my vocabulary…he had a vision for us, and it was really beautiful to watch. Dave had a way of inspiring people. I’m truly blessed to have met him.”

The final honoree, Mangione discussed his journey to a successful career in sports management for employers like the New York Islanders, New York Jets, Brooklyn Nets, and FIFA. “Everyone here came to Centenary for the love of the game, and they stayed here for the game,” Mangione said. “It’s all about the people who love you, the people who follow you. That’s what makes Centenary different. So be proud of who you are and that you come from Centenary University.”

Vincent wrapped up the evening by urging alumni to remain involved with Centenary, reminding them that their support is important to today’s student-athletes. “Centenary alumni love this place more than anyone would ever know,” Vincent said. “No matter if you went to college here in 1989 or 2020, we all love Centenary for the opportunity it gave to us and now gives to current student-athletes. Today is the beginning of growth, for Centenary athletics programs and for this university.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University was founded in 1867 by United Methodists and offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. The university aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies and first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.