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BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo wrestling coach Jim Beichner handed out his team's major awards at the annual UB Athletics Award banquet at Samuel's Grande Manor.

Redshirt freshman Mike Sebaaly (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) earned the team's Newcomer of the Year award. Sebaaly, who started most of the season at 125 pounds, posted a 22-14 overall record and was 7-5 in dual meets. Sebaaly led the team with 10 reversals in dual meets.

Tom Paladino

The Most Improved award went to sophomore Tom Paladino (Bethpage, NY/Bethpage). Paladino posted an overall mark of 24-15 on the season at 165 pounds and was 8-7 in dual meets. Paladino took the title at the Wilkes Open and the New York State Collegiates in his weight class.

The Coaches Award went to senior and two-time captain Ryan Bentley (Ripley, NY/Ripley). Bentley came back from pneumonia to regain his starting slot at the end of the season at 149 pounds. He finished his career with an overall mark of 90-47 and 36-18 in dual meets. He also took second place at the Mid-American Conference Championships in his final event in the Blue and White.

The Bob Rich Outstanding Wrestler Award, named for the founder of the UB intercollegiate wrestling program, went to senior Gary Cooper (Adams, NY/South Jefferson). Cooper became the school's all-time winningest wrestler during his senior campaign and claimed the 174-pound title at the MAC Championships to earn his first berth to the NCAA Championships.

Gary Cooper

He finished his career with an overall mark of 113-45 and 39-15 in dual meets and during the season took home the title at the Wilkes Open and the New York State Collegiates as well as a second-place finish at the Beast of the East Tournament. He finished his senior year with a 34-8 overall mark and was 13-2 in dual meets, where he posted four wins by fall.

Buffalo finished the season with a 9-6 mark in dual meets and claimed the New York State championship.