Roger Neel, Voice of Binghamton Bearcats, Earns Hall of Fame Honor

The Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, and it’s a group that represents the pride and talent of the Southern Tier. Thirteen new members will be inducted but for me, one name stands out in a very personal way.

A Voice We’ve Known and Loved for 42 Years

If you’ve lived in the Southern Tier for any amount of time, you’ve heard the voice of Roger Neel. Roger spent 42 years in news and sports broadcasting and was the Sports Director at WNBF Radio, calling countless games, athletes, and unforgettable moments.

Roger is more than a broadcaster, he is a professional that is deeply respected by me and so many others. I had the honor of working alongside Roger for more than 30 years. I can tell you this, there is nobody more deserving of this honor than him.

More Than a Broadcaster

Roger has always believed that local sports matter, high school games matter, student athletes matter, and the stories behind the scores matter. He didn’t just talk sports, he built relationships and encouraged young athletes.

The thing that stands out for me is how he remembers EVERYONE'S name that he has met in the past 30 plus years. I have always said that if I could change one thing about me, it would be to have the memory of Roger Neel. He may have met you once in 1996 but he'll still remember your name. I'm honored to say that I not only know him but I can call him my friend.

A Class Filled With Talent

Roger joins an impressive group in the Class of 2026.

Tom “Burnin’ Ben” Bennett was a three sport athlete at Union Endicott and later played running back for the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs.

Wendy Casey, a boxer and wrestler from Binghamton High School, built a 38 and 15 boxing record, became a US National Boxing Champion, and represented Team USA.

Steven D. Deinhardt served as a longtime coach and athletic director in Binghamton and is also a Section IV Hall of Fame inductee.

Richard C. Gublin was a three sport athlete at Johnson City High School and later served as President of Section IV for 15 years.

William J. Haskins made history as the first African American running back at Syracuse University after competing in football and track at Binghamton High School.

Brian D. Jester set records at Union Endicott and was part of the 1990 Georgia Bulldogs College World Series Championship team.

Kathy Staley Maguire excelled in three sports at Maine Endwell and is already a member of both the Section IV and school Hall of Fame.

Mike Rotunda became a five time WWF World Tag Team Champion and is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame.

Jon R. Smith dedicated five decades to serving athletes as an athletic trainer at SUNY Broome.

Pete Sylvester coached Union Endicott baseball from 1974 to 1989, building an incredible 262 and 64 record.

Michael Tidick went from Union Endicott standout to professional baseball, later scouting for the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers.

The 1979 Union Endicott football team also earned its place, finishing 9 and 0 and ranked number one in the state.

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Congratulations to Roger and everyone else in the Class of 2026. As someone who has been beside him in the studio for more than 25 years, I say this from the heart, you have done it with integrity every single time and this is well earned. Binghamton is proud of you and so am I.

Greater Binghamton Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

The Greater Binghamton Hall of Fame induction dinner is on Monday, May 4th at the Double Tree by Hilton in downtown Binghamton. The keynote speaker has not been announced yet but it's always a great one that you won't want to miss. You can get your tickets for the dinner here and I'll see you there.