“This is the beginning of tradition,” said athletic director Judy Ann Riccio. “The inaugural class will always hold a special place in Sacred Heart history, and we look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate the extraordinary people who have worn the Pioneer uniform.”
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The Sacred Heart Athletics Hall of Fame event was held on Nov. 6. Friends and family filled the Guest House Ballroom on West Campus.
The inaugural class includes: Don Cook, athletic director from 1992 to 2013, Jim Barquinero, senior vice president for enrollment, student affairs and athletics from 1989 to 2023, Dave Bike, a 1969 graduate who coached men’s basketball from 1978 to 2013, Anthony “Tony” Judkins, class of 1989, Elizabeth “Bippy” Luckie, class of 1985, who has worked at the university for more than 40 years, Justin Danforth, class of 2017, Troy Scribner, class of 2013, Keshaudas Spence, class of 2015, Amanda Pape, class of 2007 and the 1986 men’s basketball national championship team.
“Establishing an Athletics Hall of Fame assures that the university’s history remains relevant, vibrant and alive,” said Cook, who led the department’s move to Division I.
Barquinero launched the football program that began in 1991 and oversaw a period when the university more than doubled its varsity sports.
Bike was the longest-tenured coach and brought the basketball program its most wins. His 1986 team beat Southeast Missouri State 93-87 to become the first New England program to win an NCAA Division II national championship.
Part of that team was Judkins, a two-time National Basketball Coaches Association All-American who finished with 2,009 points and 909 rebounds.
“The best thing about SHU, you’re a family member here, it’s tight-knit,” said Judkins. “The guys that I played with, we still have breakfast together on Saturdays.”
Luckie, a two-time All-American shortstop, coached softball from 1989 to 2018 and retired with a program-record of 620 wins.
“To be a part of such a wonderful experience with my colleagues, former teammates and players, it’ll be a night that I will never forget,” said Luckie.
SHU women’s rugby head coach Michelle Reed was one of several current coaches in the crowd.
“It shows the growth this university has had in the athletic department, and the success that is the foundation of why we are, what we are now,” said Reed.
Danforth, the first Pioneer to play in the NHL, and Scribner, the first Pioneer to reach the MLB, joined the ceremony by video message. Scribner ranks second in program history with 26 wins and 261 strikeouts.
“You need those types of people who believe in you and give you the opportunity to prove yourself,” said Danforth. “Sacred Heart gave me an opportunity, and I’ll always be grateful.”
“I had such a special time at Sacred Heart University. Every time I look back on my time there, I’m filled with joy and happy memories,” said Scribner.
Current baseball player PJ Rogan plays for the program Scribner helped lead to back-to-back Northeast Conference championships.
“It’s really cool to see Troy get inducted into the Sacred Heart Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Rogan. “It’s something for us as players to strive for and to look up to.”
Spence is the football program’s all-time leading rusher with 3,745 yards, was named Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Year and helped lead the Pioneers to consecutive conference championships in 2013 and 2014. His family accepted the honor on his behalf.
Pape remains the women’s basketball program’s all-time leading scorer and the only player to pass 2,000 career points, finishing with 2,045.
“To be welcomed back and recognized as part of the inaugural Hall of Fame class is something I will carry with me forever,” said Pape.
