Centenary University Inducts Four Athletes, One Team, and Dedicated Alumni Into Their Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Centenary University hosted their 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the John M. Reeves Gymnasium On the evening of January 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. The ceremony included food, drinks, and table seating in the gymnasium, with around 200 people in attendance. Centenary University Athletic Director Pete Vincent hosted the event and inducted the former student-athletes into the Hall of Fame, cementing their names into the rich history of Cyclones sports. 

The four athletes were Meagan Madsen (Softball, 2011-2014), Chris Burdge (Wrestling, 2010-2014), Jessica Sikora (Women’s Soccer, 2004-2007), and Nigel Archibald (Baseball, 2002-2005). Including the induction of these athletes, Centenary also honored the University’s 2005 baseball team into the Hall, as well as presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Fred Mangione (Class of 1993). 

Meagan Madsen (Softball, 2011-2014)

Toeing the rubber to be inducted into Centenary’s Athletics Hall of Fame is powerhouse starting pitcher Meagan Madsen. Throughout her career at Centenary, she posted a 32 (2nd all-time)-22 record in 61 games started (2nd) and put up impressive numbers with 5.07 ERA , 326.2 IP, 376 H, 184 ER, 130 BB, 145 K (4th), and .275 BAVG, as well as pitching 38 CGs (2nd), and 16 shut outs (1st). Along with these decorated career statistics, she also pitched a no-hitter on April 11, 2012 against Cedar Crest College. Her best single-season came in 2013 when she would pitch to a record of 12-7 with 22 GS, 11 CG, 3.64 ERA, 118.2 IP, 48 ER, 58 K, and a .241 BAVG. With her leadership and success on and off the field, Madsen would contribute to multiple winning seasons of Centenary Softball and set the standard for the program for years to come. 

Chris Burdge (Wrestling, 2010-2014)

The most successful wrestler in Centenary history, Chris Burdge finished his career with a school record of 99-16, posting a 21-1 record his senior season wrestling at 165lbs. Not officially on the team his freshman year, Burdge turned out to be a four time All-American and two time NCAA East Regional Champion. To add onto these achievements, in 2013 during his junior season, Burdge was ranked 10th in NCAA’s 10 most dominant wrestlers. To conclude his career in 2014, Burdge finished in 3rd place at the 2014 NCAA National Championship as well as setting the school record with 43 pins. Not only elite on the mat, Chris Burdge set the bar for incoming Cyclones after him, building the successful program Centenary Wrestling prides itself on today. 

Jessica Sikora (Women’s Soccer, 2002-2005)

Stepping onto the pitch next, Jessica Sikora was inducted into Centenary’s Athletic Hall of Fame for her decorative collegiate career. Throughout her four year career she was first all-time for total points (160), 1st in total goals (72), and had 73 games played (3rd). She is also first in single season points scored at 66 and goals at 31. Sikora has also scored ten points in a single game three separate times, and recorded five goals in the same game twice. In 2004, her and teammate Clare Johnson became the first teammates in Centenary history to score over 40 points. 

Nigel Archibald (Baseball, 2002-2005)

Stepping up to the plate for Centenary was the final athlete to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on that night. Throughout his career at Centenary, Archibald is 2nd all-time in hits (190), 1st in batting average (.438), 6th in doubles (34), 1st in triples (21), 1st in home runs (28), 1st in RBI (163), 2nd in OBP (.523), 1st in SLG (.817). His best season came his junior year in 2004, where he would hit to a .526 AVG (1st), 72 H (1st), 14 2B (T-2nd), 8 3B (1st), 12 HR (1st), 62 RBI (1st) putting together the greatest offensive season in Centenary Baseball History. His decorative career included a multiple of awards including 2002 ECAC Second Team All-Star, 2003 ESAC First-Team All-Star, 2003 NJCBA first team All-State, 2004 NCAA All-American, 2004 ABCA Rawlings All Region Player of the Year, 2004 NJCBA All State Player of the Year, and 2005 NJCBA All State First Team. 

2005 Centenary Baseball Team

Following a successful 2004 season, the 2005 Centenary Baseball team would cement its legacy in history forever. Finishing with a record of 28-10, and conference record of 11-4 coasting into the playoffs. Dominating the playoffs, they would defeat Stevens Institute of Technology, securing the University’s first ever Skyline Conference Championship. With an impressive record percentage of .737 and a conference championship, the Cyclones would go on to compete in the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament, becoming only one of two teams in the school’s history to do so. 

Fred Mangione (Class of 1993)

Fred Mangione, who was awarded with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, graduating from Centenary in 1993, is recognized for his personal success and dedication. Mangione’s achievements display the qualities Centenary prides itself on and continues to ingrain in their students. Mangione was also presented as a Centenary honorary degree recipient in 2015. Currently, he’s been named chief business officer for the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee. 

New members of the Hall of Fame were able to see their plaques on display, hanging in the John M. Reeves Gymnasium right in front outside of the basketball court. Their leadership qualities, work ethic, and excellence on and off the field or mat will continue to be admired by incoming students and staff, and their legacy will be instilled in Centenary’s history for the rest of time.