WRESTLING

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BUFFALO, NY - It was not just an excellent year for the UB wrestling team, but for the UB wrestling alumni, as well. Former wrestler Joe Muscarella, who now serves as president of the Bullpen Wrestling Club, led a get together for UB wrestling alumni during February in conjunction with the New York State High School Wrestling Championships.

All told, over 100 UB wrestling alumni were present. Bulls' grapplers from the 1950s and every ensuing decade were present.

A UB crowd and Gold-Medalist Jeff Blatnick

"The goal of the event was to bring together a pretty tight-knit group of guys," said Muscarella. "We wanted everyone to get back in touch with the UB wrestling program, give them a chance to meet the current coaching staff and see the facilities we now have at Alumni Arena."

Wrestling alumni were invited to a free reception at the Holiday Inn, as well as receiving discounted tickets for the New York State High School Wrestling Championships.

Many former wrestlers and coaches were in attendance. That included one of UB's two Division III National Champions, Steve Klein, along with numerous All-Americans from Buffalo's Division II and III wrestling eras.

"It was about revisiting that camaraderie that has always been there," Muscarella said. "This program has been around for 71 years and continues to be strong. In fact, there's no question that it keeps getting stronger and its history continues to become richer by the day."

Current UB Head Coach Jim Beichner and UB Assistant Athletic Director for Development Andy Hurley were also instrumental in organizing the alumni function. Also pitching in to help Muscarella out was UB's all-time winningest wrestling coach, Ed Michael.

Display case in Alumni Arena featuring UB wrestling

Michael's wife, Connie, also chipped in by putting together a display in Alumni Arena that featured UB's proud wrestling history.

"This was a great event in terms of everyone just having fun," said Michael. "That's what you would expect when you bring that kind of a group together."

Those wishing to join the Bullpen Wrestling Club should contact Muscarella either by calling him at 716-829-2935 or by e-mailing him at jdm7@buffalo.edu. The $25 annual fee helps support the UB student-athlete wresters, for instance, providing funding for them compete in events such as the US Open.

"We definitely will put together another UB wrestling alumni function in the future," said Muscarella. "It was too good of an event not to do another one."