Six individual members and two teams of distinction joined the Lions Athletic Hall of Fame as they were inducted at this year’s Reunion.

Led by two-sport athlete Dan Dengler ’93, the individual inductees included softball great Gina LaMandre ’86, All-American football player Chris Shaw ’93, and soccer goalkeeper Wayne Ramsey ’83. Richard Mauer ’51 and Joan Monahan ’62 were also selected and joined the prestigious class of former Lion standouts.

The 1991 baseball team, which finished runner-up at Division III College World Series, was chosen along with the 1987-1988 women’s basketball team. The head coach of the ’91 baseball team, Rick Dell, flew in from China to attend the event. The head coach of the ’87-’88 women’s basketball team, Mika Ryan, was also on-hand at the ceremony.


Dan Dengler ’93—Baseball/Football

Dan Dengler was an outstanding baseball player that left his mark in Lions’ sports history. Through his four years on the baseball team, the Florence High school graduate earned NJAC and ECAC Player of the Year in 1990 and was instrumental in leading the ’91 Lions baseball squad to its first-ever World Series appearance and national championship game.

Dengler graduated has the career leader in home runs and is still amongst the all-time leaders in hits, RBIs, doubles, runs scored, and stolen bases.

Though baseball was Dengler’s most accomplished sport shined it was not the only sport he played for the Lions. When he wasn’t on the baseball field Dengler played defensive back for Eric Hamilton and Lions football team for three seasons.

Wayne Ramsey ’83—Soccer

Wayne Ramsey was known by his coaches at TSC as “sensational” and the Lions’ “biggest strength.” During his three seasons as the starting keeper for the Lions, Ramsey averaged less than a goal per game. The Lions advanced to the NCAA tournament three times during his tenure and he earned all-conference and all-state honors.

Though an injury prevented him from suiting up to play professional soccer, Ramsey pursued a career in coaching and led the Monmouth University soccer program for nine years. He takes the characteristics he learned as a student athlete at TSC and lives by them today in guiding his own teams.


Christopher Shaw ’93—Football

Christopher Shaw became one of the only centers for TSC/TCNJ to gain All-American honors. Shaw started his career as a tight end and then moved to center. During his run with Lions football (1988-1991) it was as center that he truly excelled.

The 1990 season, with Shaw at center, made a name in Lions history, as arguably one of the best seasons the program had seen. They seized the NJAC championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament. Following TSC/TCNJ Shaw pursued coaching and now works in finance for Morgan Stanley.

Gina LaMandre ’86—Softball

When Gina LaMandre joined the Lions’ softball team in the spring of 1982 she was shortstop who became an all-star pitcher, with her name still engraved in the record books. LaMandre still holds the school records for her career total numbers. In short, she compiled 79 wins with a 0.48 ERA, 45 shutouts, and nine no-hitters. She was the Lions Female Athlete of the Year in 1985.

LaMandre became the head coach at the University of Maryland and is currently an assistant coach for TCNJ softball.

Richard R. Mauer ’51

Richard Mauer was a three-sport athlete for the College playing football, basketball, and baseball during his tenure. A half-back, quarterback, and safety, Mauer served as co-captain for the Lions football team. He was also the guard for the varsity basketball team, but it was as a shortstop in baseball that he earned four varsity letters and was captain of the team.

Mauer had a late start to college sports, he first achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp. He then played professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Finally in 1947 he enrolled in college for a degree in physical education.

Joan Manahan ’62

In a time when women’s athletics was just getting off the ground, Joan Manahan played a part in pushing them in the right direction. Though women did not play many games during Manahan’s stay at the College (1959–62), that did not stop her from taking advantage of any opportunity that came her way. She played many sports, among which were field hockey, basketball, and softball.

Manahan’s love for athletics led her to become active in the New Jersey Athletic Association for Girls. She successfully coached young athletes in fields such as archery, softball, gymnastics, and field hockey for 25 years.

1991 Baseball Team—Team of Distinction

The Lions’ 1991 baseball team with a record of 34-15-1, is the most accomplished team in program history. They were the first ever team to reach the NCAA Division III World Series and the only team ever, to reach the national championship game.

The ’91 team, led by head coach Rick Dell, had great talent on the mound and in the batter’s box. Starting pitchers led by Howard Forman and Ewing High School graduate Jon Conant, combined to throw 20 complete games. On offense, Dan Dengler was among eight players from that roster to earn All-American at some point during their tenure as a Lions baseball player.

1987–1988 Women’s Basketball—Team of Distinction

The 1987-88 women’s basketball team had an impressive finish to their season with a 22-6 record, the best in the history of the program at the time. This team was best known for its ability to shut down offenses with a stingy team defense. The Lions ended the regular season tied for the top spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference “B” Division. They finished the regular season with an outstanding 11-2 record.

The Lions took second in the NJAC Tournament and received a bid to the 1988 NCAA Division III Tournament. The team finished 17th in the final Division III rankings. Kim Lacken was a Kodak All-American that season.