Lyndonville, VT - Vermont State University Lyndon's featured event of Homecoming Weekend, the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Banquet took place Saturday evening. The Class of 202 includes David Chase '85, David Cady '94 , Wildens Fils '15 and Anthony Moccia, posthumously.
Hall of Fame Induction Video
Hall fo Fame Photo Gallery
Lyndon Alumni Council President Steve Cormier served as master of ceremonies for the evening, and welcomed the 115 attendees. It was the largest attendance in recent memory. Vermont State University President Dr. Sherry Kollmann offered her congratulations to the inductees. He was followed by Lyndon Alumni Council President John Kascenska '82, who presented the Outstanding Young Alumni Award to Brady Callahan '15.
Following dinner, the Alumni Council presented several awards. VTSU Lyndon Interim Senior Associate Athletic Director Cameron Curler then introduced the inductees.
Many Lyndon Hall of Famers were among the attendees. They included
- Jeremiah Bias, class of 2007, inducted in 2014
- Rob Carey, class of 2008, inducted in 2021
- Roger Cartee, class of 1965, inducted in 1984
- William Fitzgerald, class of 1986, inducted in 1997
- Brian Gallagher, class of 1991, inducted in 2018
- Mark Hilton, class of 1984, inducted in 2002
- Gary Jenness, inducted in 2006
- Pete Kellaway, class of 1984, inducted in 1998
- William Leggett, class of 1982, inducted in 1989
- John LeMieux, class of 1983, inducted in 2020
- Lisa Bedor Manter, class of 1997, inducted in 2003
- Jackie Priestley-Smith, class of 1976, inducted in 2010
- Tammy Armour Rainville, class of 1989, inducted in 1994
- Nick Rowe, class of 2006, inducted in 2015
- Ted Shipley, class of 1986, inducted in 2007
- Russ Simpson, class of 1963, inducted in 1986
- Joyce Siok, class of 1979, inducted in 2004
- Chris Ummer, inducted in 2017
- Mark Weigel, class of 1987, inducted in 1995
- Mike Whaley, class of 1984, inducted in 2005
- Sue Howe Wood, class of 1976, inducted in 2018
David Chase graduated from Lyndon State College with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He distinguished himself as a four-year varsity baseball player and earned team Most Valuable Player honors during his collegiate career. Following graduation, he built one of the most accomplished coaching careers in New England scholastic athletics. Over nearly four decades, David amassed more than 500 varsity basketball victories and more than 450 varsity baseball victories while leading programs in Vermont, New Hampshire, Utah, Massachusetts, and beyond. His teams captured multiple state championships in basketball, baseball, and golf, and he earned numerous Coach of the Year recognitions. Chase's contributions to athletics have been recognized with induction into the National High School Basketball Coaches Association Court of Honor and the prestigious Walter A. Smith Award for outstanding contributions to New Hampshire athletics. His lifelong dedication to student-athletes, education, and competitive excellence makes him a deserving member of the Lyndon Athletic Hall of Fame.
David Cady graduated from Lyndon State College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He excelled as a four-year participant in both baseball and soccer at Lyndon and served as a team captain during his collegiate career. After graduation, he devoted more than two decades to coaching and mentoring young athletes throughout the Northeast Kingdom and beyond. Dave's coaching experience includes youth, high school, and collegiate athletics, highlighted by his service as a Lyndon softball coach and his extensive work in baseball, soccer, and football programs. His commitment to athlete development, sportsmanship, and community engagement has left a lasting impact on countless student-athletes, making him a fitting inductee into the Lyndon Athletic Hall of Fame.
Wildens Fils graduated from Lyndon State College in December 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Athletic Coaching. One of the most accomplished distance runners in Lyndon cross country history, Wildens earned All-North Atlantic Conference honors in each of his four competitive seasons. A four-time Vermont State Intercollegiate Championship top 25 finisher, Wildens served as team captain and was a key contributor and anchor runner for three North Atlantic Conference championship teams. His leadership and sportsmanship were recognized with multiple coaches'/sportsmanship awards and the institution's Champions of Character Award. Beyond athletics, he represented Lyndon on the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as a regional representative. His sustained excellence as a student-athlete, leader, and ambassador for Hornet Athletics secures his place among Lyndon's all-time greats.
Anthony Moccia is remembered as an outstanding athlete, coach, community leader, and advocate for the Northeast Kingdom. A member of the Lyndon State College men's soccer program, he helped lead the Hornets to a Sunrise Conference Championship and was named both his team's Defensive Player of the Year and the conference's Defensive Player of the Year. Following his playing career, Anthony became a respected youth and high school soccer coach, serving as president and coach of Northeast FC Wildcats and as an assistant coach at North Country Union High School, where he was also inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. Beyond soccer, he co-founded the nationally recognized Rasputitsa gravel cycling event and helped create the Dirty 40 cycling race, leaving a lasting legacy in Vermont's outdoor recreation community. His commitment to athletics, mentorship, and service continues to inspire all who knew him.
Anthony passed away in March 2026 at the age of 43. He is survived by his wife, Cija, who accepted on his behalf, and their children, Kallen, Isabella, and Elliana, as well as many other family members and dear friends.
