GRANTHAM, Pa. – On Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, the Messiah Athletics department inducted five new members into the Messiah Hall of Honor as part of the Class of 2026. The five-member class included, Liz (Martin) Adams '14, Edwin "Sandy" Bush , Jeremy Payne '14, Josh Thomson '16, and Erin (Gallagher) Warren '06.
See below for some quotes from coaches, colleagues, family, and friends for each of our Hall of Honor inductees.
Liz (Martin) Adams '14 – Women's Track and Field
-Two-Time All-American
-2012 MAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year
-Member of the 2011 and 2012 MAC Outdoor Championship team
-Member of the 2011 MAC Indoor Championship Team
-Currently holds the program record in the 400m hurdles
From Bill Barko
Liz was a tremendous athlete coming into messiah being both a talented field hockey player as well as one of the top hurdlers in the state. She wanted a Christian education, and I was so glad I was able to coach her. She was one that wanted to become a master in her craft in hurdling and was one of the most determined athletes I have ever coached. The best example of that was after her injury in the finals of the 400 hurdles. Coming off that significant foot injury, her determination led her to not just come back strong but earn All-American honors in a very competitive 400m hurdles finals. She used all her 5'2 frame to defeat many other hurdlers that stood 5'10 and taller very similar to Messiah Hall of Honor Inductee, Kristen Bates. I have been here for 30 years, so I have seen and coached some of best athletes ever and I can confidently say Liz is on that list.
From David Adams
I have to admit that I didn't see Liz race much until her senior year, but I'm grateful I was there for it, because that season showed me exactly who she is. The 400 hurdles is one of the most demanding events in track, and it rewards the qualities she has always had: a relentless drive to get better and a willingness to outwork everyone around her. Twice in her career, Liz fell going over the final hurdle and suffered serious injuries, and she even had to have surgery on her foot. Either setback could have ended her running career. But every time, she got back up, put in the hard work to recover, and returned to the track. In her senior year, after everything she had been through, she earned All-American honors. That same toughness and determination didn't end when her running career did. Today she brings it every day as a mother to our four children, facing each challenge with the same grit and heart she showed on the track. I'm proud to see her honored, and even prouder to be her husband.
Edwin "Sandy" Bush – Athletic Training
-39 years at Messiah
-26 years as Head Athletic Trainer
-Worked with 35 National Championship teams
-Treated 357 All-American Athletes
-Trained 179 Conference Championship teams
From Mark Fry
Sandy Bush is a legend. His career spanned over 4 decades at Messiah. The thing about Sandy is that he treated every athlete like they were his own. I never saw him display favoritism towards one sport over another, or one individual over another. Sandy treated everyone the same. He was also very encouraging and positive despite whatever injury an athlete might be dealing with. Dealing with injuries can be very depressing for an athlete, but Sandy always gave athletes perspective and hope. He was personable, approachable, listened but always remained professional. He loves the Lord and he displayed this daily. Sandy knew every athlete's name that came into the training room, and it was obvious that he cared about people. I recently lost my father this past year. Despite graduating 30+ years ago, Sandy called me 3-4 times a week from September through May to check on me and pray with me. He is a true blessing to those who cross paths with him.
From Mike Russ
My opinion is that we need to declare Sandy Bush as the Father of Athletic Training and Sports Medicine at Messiah University! Layton Shoemaker had a vision to have a Sports Medicine program here at Messiah, but Sandy Bush brought that vision to fruition. Sandy invested endless hours, extreme effort and many battles to get our program certified.
Sandy's fun spirit, his love for his discipline, his love for his students and his excellent teaching created a sense of pride and joy in each of his sports medicine students for their discipline and for life.
Sandy's wit is second to none, and he used that wit and fun spirit to bring joy to every environment he was part of. Noontime basketball became elevated in fun and competition often from Sandy's commentating throughout the game. The training room, a place where athletes didn't want to be, was always upbeat and positive. Sandy's professional demeanor in difficult or emergency situations was calm, soothing and professional. He became the person that athletes needed and trusted at that moment.
It has been an honor for me to have a person like Sandy Bush as one of my closest friends for over forty years.
Jeremy Payne '14 – Men's Soccer
-2012 and 2014 National Player of the Year
-Three-time All-American
-Three-time Conference Player of the Year
-Three-Time All-Conference
-Member of the 2012 and 2013 National Championship teams
-Member of the 30-30 Club
From Chris Brandt
It is an honor for me to be able to write just a bit about Jeremy for his Messiah Athletics Hall of Honor induction, and this is true because it's two things near and dear to my heart-Messiah Athletics, and, Jeremy Payne! Though I did not have the chance to coach Jeremy directly, his time at Messiah directly followed my time there, he played with my son Danny, possibly dated my daughter Alex for time; worked all of my camps at Navy, and then of course has been my asst at Bucknell for the past two very successful years here before venturing out again on his own at Susquehanna-but, suffice to say, one of the best, most physical, athletic, and talented players to ever play for the program-and one of the smartest. For all the physical and athletic prowess that Jeremy had as a player, his greatest weapon in my opinion, was the 6 inches between his ears, as he was always a step ahead of other players mentally as well. It made him a great player, and it has also made him a top coach. Congratulations Jer, extremely well-deserved, and proud to have been able to work with you and be a part of your life and journey!
From Chris Sauer
I had the great privilege of coaching Jeremy before he arrived at Messiah College, and even then, it was clear that he was a special player. He had an amazing athletic ability, but what separated him was his competitive drive, his commitment to his teammates, and his ever-growing desire to be the absolute best that he could be. Jeremy went on to prove just how special a player he was during his time at Messiah. Being named National Player of the Year twice and a three time All-American were extraordinary accomplishments, but those of us who had the opportunity to coach him know that the accolades only tell a small part of the story. Yes, he was an incredible talent, but he understood that the game was a vehicle for much greater things. He made his teammates better, he always embraced the big moment, played with passion, and used his sport as a platform to honor and glorify God. As a coach, you have some players you will never forget because of what they accomplished and some players you will never forget because of who they are. Jeremy is both. It has been a blessing to have a front row seat watching him go from player, to coach, to husband and father.
Josh Thomson '16 – Wrestling
-Four-Time All-American
-172-19 Career Record
-Member of the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Regional Championship teams
-Member of the 2013, 2014, and 2016 Conference Championship teams
-One of two wrestlers in program history with four All-American honors
From Bryan Brunk
I loved coaching Josh Thomson. From day one Josh was a force on the mat and his statistics, records and accomplishments speak for themselves in that regard. Josh was an integral part and in many ways a driving force during Messiah wrestling's most successful years on the mat. Still, the best part of coaching Josh Thomson was watching him grow and develop as a young man. Josh leaned into and impacted a team culture. To this day a sign hangs in the wrestling room that reads Thankful to Be Here and that sign is a direct result of a request from Josh. As Josh learned to wrestle with freedom and gratitude, he became one of the most dominant wrestlers in the nation and in Messiah history.
Erin (Gallagher) Warren '06 – Women's Lacrosse
-2006 All-American
-Two-Time All-Region
-Three-Time All-Conference
-2006 MAC Senior Scholar Athlete
-Program Record 234 ground balls
From Lynda Ballentine
Erin and I entered the Messiah College Women's lacrosse program at the same time. I was hired just before the 2003 season started to be assistant coach to Rob Pepper. Erin was a freshman, and all I knew about her at the start of the season was that she came to Messiah with no plans to play lacrosse, but after she got here, decided to try out for the team. I learned quickly that she was a hard worker, a team player, a natural leader, and a genuinely kind and compassionate person. On the field, Erin was this defensive coach's dream. Her instincts for being first to the ball were spot on. She knew the difference between playing defense to prevent the other team from scoring and playing defense to get the ball back for her team. Whether in the form of a ground ball, an interception, a takeaway on a good clean check, or a draw control, Erin took whatever opportunity she had to come up with the ball for her teammates. Erin became an outstanding player through hard work, dedication, and giving her all every time she stepped onto the field. For 4 years, she was a leader and an essential part of our defensive squad. But aside from being an outstanding player, Erin represented Messiah College well. She always played with integrity and sportsmanship. She treated her teammates with love and compassion. And she treated her coaches with respect, always ready to listen, learn, and improve. Erin's love of the game did not end when she left Messiah. She continued playing post college, and several times organized team reunions, back at Messiah watching the team play. Then, Erin began coaching. My coaching life came full circle the first time I got to watch Erin coach a high school team with former Messiah teammate Kayte Restaino. It did not come as a surprise to me that Erin was chosen to be inducted into the Messiah University Hall of Honor. She is an exemplary athlete and person. It has been my pleasure to know her over the past 24 years. She was a delight to coach, but even more importantly, she is a person of great integrity, a faithful friend, and highly deserving of this honor.
From Kayte Restaino
I've known Erin Warren for more than twenty years now — first as my teammate at Messiah, and later as my coaching colleague at Kennett High School. She made me a better player on the field, and years later, she made me a better coach off of it. That's just who Erin is. She was an All-American defender with a competitiveness that pushed everyone around her to be better, but what I remember most is how much she cared for her teammates, and how naturally people trusted her. When we coached together, I got to see that same heart show up in a different way: she was detailed, dependable, selfless and one of the best communicators I've ever worked with, the kind of coach players wanted to play hard for. Erin has given this game everything — as a player, as a coach, and as a friend — and I can't think of anyone more deserving of a place in this Hall of Honor.
