GRANTHAM, Pa. – On Monday afternoon, Messiah Athletics announced the 2026 induction class for the Messiah Hall of Honor. The Falcons are excited to announce the five members of the Class of 2026: Erin (Gallagher) Warren '06, Liz (Martin) Adams '14, Jeremy Payne '14, Josh Thomson '16, and Edwin "Sandy" Bush.
The induction banquet is scheduled to take place on Friday, Oct. 2 in Martins Commons. Fans are welcomed to register for the event by clicking
here.
Below is a bio for each of the individuals being inducted to the Class of 2026:
Erin (Gallagher) Warren '06 – Women's Lacrosse
Erin (Gallagher) Warren was an incredible athlete in her four years on the field for the Falcons. Warren was a three-time All-Conference honoree, earning First-Team honors in 2004 and 2006. Warren earned All-Region honors in 2005 and 2006. Warren also earned the third All-American honors in program history with a Third-Team selection in 2006.
Warren is featured all over the Messiah Women's Lacrosse record book. Warren currently ranks first in career ground balls (234), second in career starts (75), and third in caused turnovers (133). Warren also earned the first MAC Senior Scholar Athlete award after her success on and off the field for the Falcons.
Liz (Martin) Adams '14 – Indoor and Outdoor Women's Track and Field
Liz (Martin) Adams was a gifted track athlete in her four years at Messiah. Adams finished her career earning All-American honors in the 400 meter hurdles in the 2012 and 2014. The 2012 MAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, Adams helped the Falcons win the MAC Indoor Championships in 2011 and the MAC Outdoor Championships in 2011 and 2012. Adams earned gold 10 times in her four-year career at the MAC Championships.
Adams is also featured all over the Falcons' record book. Adams still holds the record in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:00.80. Adams also ranks second in the 60m (7.97), second in the 55m (7.48), second in the 100m (12.36), second in the 55m hurdles (8.58), second in the 60m hurdles (9.08), third in the 100m hurdles (14.88), fourth in the 300m (43.68), and sixth in the 200m (25.83),
Jeremy Payne '14 – Men's Soccer
Jeremy Payne led the Falcons' midfield during his four-year career at Messiah. Payne helped the Falcons earn back-to-back National Championships in 2012 and 2013. A three-time All-American, Payne added National Player of the Year honors in 2012 and 2014. The three-time Conference Player of the Year, Payne also earned three All-Conference honors, while finishing his career with 61 goals, 31assists, and 19 game-winning goals.
In the Falcons record book, Payne currently ranks tied for fourth with 61 career goals, fifth with 153 career points, tied for fifth with 31 career assists, and tied for third with 19 game-winning goals. Payne is one of six players in program history part of the 30-30 club, with at least 30 career goals and 30 career assists. Off the field, Payne was also named to the MAC Academic team in 2014.
Josh Thomson '16 – Wrestling
Josh Thomson dominated on the mat in his career as a Falcons. Thomson finished his career as a four-time All-American finishing second twice, third, and fourth at the National Championships. While finishing his career with a 172-19 career record, Thomson also helped the Falcons finish second in the country at the National Championships in 2016 and third in 2014. Thomson also helped the Falcons win three Regional and MAC Conference Championships.
After a dominant career, Thomson is featured all over the Falcons record book. Thomson is one of only two wrestlers in program history to earn four All-American honors. Thomson ranks second with 172 wins, third with 61 pins, fifth with 367 takedowns, sixth with a .901 career win percentage, and 10th with 105 nearfalls.
Edwin "Sandy" Bush – Athletic Trainer
Edwin "Sandy" Bush impacted so many Messiah athletes in his 39 years working in athletic training. Bush spent 26 years as the Head Athletic Trainers from 1983 to 2009. Bush continued to stay at Messiah for 13 more years, working as a Athletic Trainer from 2009-2018 and then a PRN Athletic Trainer from 2018-2022.
Bush has worked at Messiah for all 35 of the Falcons' National Championships. Bush has also worked with 357 of Messiah's 399 All-American athletes. Bush helped many teams stay healthy and was part of 179 Conference Championships in his time at Messiah. Bush also saw Messiah Athletics grow during his career with eight sports added during his time at Grantham. Bush also earned the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society Distinguished Service Award in 2003.
