Why Sports Matter At Centenary University

Centenary University has a lot to pride itself on through education programs, professors, and connections to find a job once you graduate. The University has a lot of clubs and events but how much do you know about Centenary athletics? How much does athletics matter? 

First, a little history. The Cyclones competed in the CSAC conference from the early 2007–2021. Throughout that time, they were able to secure multiple championships in baseball, women’s soccer, and softball. Due to the success the Cyclones were having in the conference, they were moved from the CSAC in 2022 and placed into the Atlantic East Conference, where the Clones currently compete in today. 15 sports teams at Centenary play in the Atlantic East Conference, the only exception is Centenary Equestrian that competes in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. 

Currently, Centenary has 17 different sports teams that call Hackettstown home: nine women’s sports teams and seven men’s sports teams.

Women’s teams include Basketball, Cross Country, Equestrian, Flag Football, Wrestling, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, and Volleyball. 

Men’s teams include Baseball, Cross Country, Volleyball (new), Lacrosse, Soccer,  Basketball, and Wrestling.

With the full roster of sports programs that Centenary offers, there are a lot of games throughout the year for students to attend with their peers, creating a fun and exciting environment for all. The University highly supports this, as it builds a stronger campus community. As a small school, only having 712 students enrolled, around 250 of them are athletes for Centenary as of 2023, which translates to 35% of the student population being athletes. 

It’s extremely important to the Centenary community when other athletes and students come out to games, and students do not shy away from the opportunity. 

Where the action is by sport 

Sports like volleyball, basketball, and wrestling are all played inside Centenary's gym, which is located in the middle of campus easy for everyone to get to. 

Inside the gym on the far right side of the bleachers, a banner hangs above a section of seating called the student section. During these games, students, athletes, and even some professors will come and watch the game from the student section, which throughout every game brings students and the community closer and closer. 

When you go to any game played in the gym, there are always opportunities to make new friends, have fun, and get rowdy to support the Cyclone athletes. The way students come together for these games truly shows the unity and great community Centenary has and it is a tradition that continues to build every year. 

Where to find lacrosse, soccer, and flag football

Sports like lacrosse, soccer, and flag football are all played on J.E Reeves Jr. Field, right behind the campus’s main parking lot. Although it’s outside and harder to get loud and cheer, students still pack out the bleachers right in front of the entrance to the field for games and do the same thing they do in the gym. Although these games can sometimes be difficult to make if it’s cold or raining, students still don’t shy away from making sure there are Cyclones in the stands to support the Cyclones on the field. 

Where to find baseball and softball

Baseball and softball are played in different locations, but are basically set up the same. Our Diamond of Dreams is in the back of the parking lot, and has bleachers right behind home plate that students come and claim as their section. On the other side of the parking lot is the softball field, Tannery Field; it's the first thing you see when you turn into the student parking lot. Most students like to either stand behind home plate, or down the right field line where the parking lot extends. 

Both sports have the same outdoor factors the other sports have, as well as having the most amount of games on their schedule out of every team at Centenary. Regardless of the adversity, students never fail to show up as there are always people there to support Centenary. 

What makes Centenary so special is the fact that it’s not only athletes supporting other athletes, or students supporting athletes, it’s everyone supporting everyone and that truly is why sports at Centenary matter, not only to athletes but to students as well. 

Throughout our four years at Centenary, sports have helped build onto the campus community that Centenary prides itself on and each year it continues to grow and become more unified. 

Please keep coming out to games, or come out to a game to support your fellow Cyclones and see for yourself how much sports matter at Centenary. 

Student opinions on the importance of sports at Centenary 

“I came to Centenary for the opportunity to play baseball with my brother. After playing here for 3 years, the relationships I’ve built are nothing like I’ve had before and I will remain in contact with my teammates long after I graduate,” said baseball player Louie Vassallo.

“I don’t currently play sports, but I did karate and field hockey for many years,” said Alexis d’Ambly, senior writing major. “Not only did I learn discipline, balance, and strength, but I found a community of support and guidance among both my teammates, coaches, and senseis. This is how I see the sports community at Centenary. Students play sports at CU, not only to be drafted into the majors, but to play the sport they love and have the encouragement to do well academically. I also know coaches require athletes to get tutoring and are proud of the academic excellence of their athletes.”

“I think sports matter at Centenary because it gives students a sense of community,” said Carmella Vitel, senior communication major. “It allows them to work towards a physical achievement with a group that understands the struggle and effort better than anyone else.” 

“Having sports on campus creates a sense of community for athletes,” said Samantha Swayze, sophomore writing major. “As a former athlete, I can say there is something special about the family-like bond between teammates. Also, going to games to support student-athletes is important. Sports teams have each other, but they definitely benefit from student support in the audience.”