Last night, the Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame celebrated its 11th annual induction dinner, honoring a stellar class of 12 individuals and one legendary team. Hundreds packed the venue to celebrate the region's rich athletic heritage, proving once again that Section IV and the Southern Tier are home to extraordinary talent.

"I could tell just by when I initially spoke to them that they really appreciate it and we're grateful for the honor," said organizer Anthony Quagliata, reflecting on the inductees' heartfelt reactions.

The 2026 class reads like a who's who of local sports royalty. Among those enshrined were Roger Neel, the iconic voice of Southern Tier sports broadcasting; baseball standout Brian Jester; and women's boxing pioneer Wendy Casey. But the night's biggest roar came for the 1979 Union-Endicott Tigers football team—a squad that finished ranked #1 in New York State and #18 nationally, forever etching their legacy in gridiron history.

Adding to the evening's prestige, New York Giants legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Harry Carson served as guest speaker. The Super Bowl-winning linebacker, who terrorized offenses from 1976 to 1988, shared stories from his storied career, inspiring a new generation of athletes in the room.

For Neel, the honor was especially meaningful. "It means an awful lot. One of the big reasons is that I've been able to cover a lot of the people who are already involved in the Hall of Fame," he said, his voice carrying the warmth of decades behind the microphone.

As the applause faded and the memories lingered, one thing was clear: the 2026 induction class has cemented its place in Southern Tier sports history. Congratulations to all the honorees—your stories inspire us to chase greatness, on and off the field.