Remembering CSC Hall of Famer Arnie Sgalio; CSC's 35th President passes away

September 24, 2026

in Membership,

Arnie Sgalio served as CSC's 35th president in 1989-90. He was inducted into the CSC Hall of Fame in 1997 during the New Orleans convention. His term in the CSC officer rotation spanned 1986-87 through 199-93.

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Courtesy Tim Simmons of bficcc.com

February 8, 1954 – September 24, 2026

Arnold (Arnie) John Sgalio, a proud New Jersey native, legendary athletic administrator, and devoted family man, passed away Thursday morning in Louisville, Kentucky. He lived a vibrant life defined by his love for athletics, pioneering leadership in sports communication, and the family he cherished most.

A Life in Sports & Collegiate Athletics

Originally from New Jersey, where he played sports at West Morristown Regional High School, Arnie’s lifelong athletic journey began when he headed west to attend the University of Wyoming on an athletic scholarship. There, he proudly competed in both football and track and field before earning his degree.

His deep-seated passion for sports propelled a dynamic career that left a permanent mark across broadcasting, collegiate athletics, and national media:

Broadcasting: His media career began as a sports anchor at KULR-TV in Billings, Montana, bringing local athletic achievements into living rooms across the region.
Collegiate Athletics & Conference Leadership: Served as the Sports Information Director at Montana State University before transitioning to the Big Sky Conference office from 1979 to 1994.
A true trailblazer, Arnie orchestrated the conference’s very first regional television contract for football.
He secured the Big Sky’s first-ever corporate sponsorship for its basketball tournament by inking a deal with Coors Light.
He launched an internship program that served as a launchpad for numerous successful careers in college athletics.
He managed the league’s iconic summertime “Skywriters Tour” – promoting regional football – and helped transition it into the modern Big Sky Summer Kickoff.
National Recognition & Honors: Arnie served as the President of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) in 1989–90, becoming only the fourth conference information director to hold that prestigious office. For his lifetime of impact, he was inducted into the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame (1997) and the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame (2025). He was also the inaugural recipient of the Big Sky Conference Distinguished Service Award.
National Media: Brought his immense wealth of experience to the national stage as a programming director at ESPN Regional Events.

After a remarkable career dedicated to shaping the landscape of collegiate sports, Arnie retired to Louisville, Kentucky, where he spent his golden years enjoying life and keeping up with the games he loved. He continued to provide articles on his son-in-law’s basketball teams while cherishing the sports exploits of his daughter’s three sons. While confined mostly to a wheelchair, Arnie followed his beloved Yankees to the end.

Surviving Family

Born to Edward and Olga Sgalio, Arnie leaves behind a legacy of deep love and devotion. He is survived by:

His loving wife, Teresa Bailey Sgalio.
His son, John (of San Diego), and daughter-in-law Karina, along with their children: grandson Dillon and granddaughters Megan and Yssabela.
His daughter, Justine Jameson, and son-in-law Brent, along with their sons: grandsons Nash, Tatum, and Rocco.
His brother, Edward (Mays Landing, New Jersey), and sister-in-law Margaret, along with their children: Justin, Brenden, Eric, and Dana (Morris).

Arnie’s warmth, sharp wit, pioneering spirit, and enduring dedication to his family and his craft will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Plans for a memorial service will be available at a later date.