Paul Bradley Named University at Buffalo Assistant Wrestling Coach

BUFFALO, NY - Head wrestling coach Jim Beichner has announced the hiring of
Paul Bradley as UB's assistant wrestling coach. Bradley brings impressive
credentials with him as he spent one season on the coaching staff at Indiana
and he was a two-time All-American at the University of Iowa. In his first
season at Indiana, Bradley helped lead the Hoosiers to a 10-5 dual-meet
record and a fifth place finish at the Big Ten Championships. Ultimately,
Indiana finished 14th at the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Bradley
worked with the higher weight classes at Indiana.

"I am very excited for the opportunity that was given to me by Coach
Beichner," said Bradley. "I am looking forward to recruiting as well as
bringing my style of wrestling from Iowa to UB. I was drawn to the position
because I know Coach Beichner and I have the same philosophy and that is
that we won't settle for anything less than a winner."

During his career at Iowa, Bradley wrestled anywhere from 184 pounds to
heavyweight. His sophomore and junior seasons saw him garner All-American
status at 184 pounds, where he competed for the majority of his career. In
2003-04, Bradley went 26-12, placing second in the Big Ten and finishing
fourth at the NCAA Tournament. That year, he recorded five major decisions
and six pins for Iowa.

In 2004-05, Bradley followed up his first All-American selection with a
second, this time finishing fifth in the nation. It capped off a 24-9 season
for the junior, who brought home a fourth-place finish in the 184-pound
division at the Big Ten Championships.

Bradley finished his career with a 16-10 mark as a senior, wrapping up
his final Big Ten tourney with a seventh place finish. He advanced to the
NCAAs, but was unable to succeed in his quest for a third straight
All-American nod.

"We are thrilled to bring in somebody with the collegiate wrestling
experience of Paul Bradley," said Beichner. "When he wrestled at Iowa he
was known as an 'old school' type wrestler. He can get very intense on the
mat, but what will make him a good recruiter is his ability to turn off that
intensity when he has to. He is a great technician like our current
assistant coach, Jeff Catribone, and he will have a positive impact not just
on the heavyweight wrestlers, but on the entire team."

University at Buffalo Wrestling Announces Team Award Winners

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad honored its 2006-07
award winners at the annual UB Athletic Awards Banquet held on May 1 at the
Millenium Hotel in Cheektowaga. Four student-athletes from head coach Jim
Beichner's team received awards at the ceremony.

Receiving awards from the UB coaching staff were redshirt freshman Ricky
Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central), senior Ray Lamb (Vineland, NJ/Absegami),
senior Jake Blowers (Johnstown, NY/Broadalbin-Perth) and senior Mark Budd
(Orrville, OH/Orrville).

Scott was named the team's Top Newcomer following a remarkable 20-10
campaign at 197 lbs. After placing second at the UB Open at 184 lbs., Scott
pounded the competition at 197, taking third at the Mat Town USA
Invitational. Scott held a 12-3 record heading into a match with
nationally-ranked Chris Weidman of Hofstra, but was defeated by major
decision, 13-5. Weidman went on to finish third at the NCAA Championships.
Following a fourth-place finish at the New York State Collegiate
Championships, Scott suffered a season-ending tricep injury, preventing him
from competing any further. Scott finished second on the team in season
falls and technical falls with two a piece.

Lamb was another successful grappler in the 2006-07 season, earning a
career-best 24-14 record and Most Improved award. Lamb entered the
starting lineup for good at 184 lbs. at the Bloomsburg Duals and provided
the Bulls with a steady presence. Lamb went 10-4 in dual meets, the second
most dual meet wins on the team, with his only four dual losses coming
against nationally-ranked competitors. Lamb earned a fourth-place finish at
the Mid-American Conference Championships.

Blowers earned the Coaches' Award in his senior year after being a
capable filler for many of the injuries and other circumstances at 197 lbs.
When Scott suffered his season-ending injury, Blowers picked up the slack
and provided strength at one of the toughest weights in the country.
Blowers faced off against Central Michigan's Wynn Michalak on two seperate
occasions, falling in both. Blowers finished the season with a 6-13 record.

Budd, named Most Outstanding, became the fourth wrestler in UB history
to win 100 or more matches. He ranked as high as eighth in the nation at 133
lbs. and had the most wins in the country at his weight class in 2007. A MAC
champion and NYS Collegiate champion, Budd finished with a 36-6 record in
2007. He went undefeated in dual meets in 2007 and his 16-0 record gave him
the second best all-time single season dual meet win percentage in school
history. At the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, Budd placed sixth after
successfully upsetting nationally-fourth ranked Tyler McCormick of Missouri
by a 3-1 sudden victory decision. Budd led the team this season with 41
takedowns.

The Bulls finished 8-7 overall and 0-5 in MAC dual meets.

Buffalo's Needle, Moran Named All-Americans At University Nationals

AKRON, OH - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad sent 20 of its best
last weekend to Akron, Ohio to compete in the ASICS Men's FILA Cadet and
University National Championships hosted by the University of Akron at the
Athletics Field House. Comprised of top-notch competitors from across the
nation at both the FILA Cadet Division as well as the University Division,
two Bulls successfully earned All-American status while two others were on
the verge.

At 145.5 lbs., junior Ryan Needle (Newfane, NY/Newfane) bounced back in
dramatic fashion following a sub-par 2006-07 season to claim fifth out of 60
participants. New York State Section VI's all-time winningest wrestler
advanced to the semifinals after defeating four straight opponents,
including Michael Keefe of Chattanooga, who was crowned the SoCon
Championship at 141 pounds. However, Needle met stiff competition from
Jordan Burroughs of Nebraska, who took the decision 4-2, 3-2. A second
consecutive defeat positioned Needle for a fifth-place finish, as he
decisioned Nathaniel Holt of Central Michigan, 1-0, 3-0.

Junior Mickey Moran (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler Area) entered the weekend's
festivities after having redshirted this past season. Moran shook off the
dust by winning seven matches in the 185 lbs. bracket, en route to a
seventh-place finish. Moran's first loss came in the form of Matt Pell of
Missouri, who placed third at the NCAA Championships this past March. Pell
decisioned Moran, 3-1, 1-1, sending the junior Bull into the wrestleback.
After battling past five straight opponents, Moran met Pell once again, who
in turn sent Moran to the seventh-place match with Kent State's Eric Chine.
Having never faced his Mid-American Conference adversary, Moran earned the
decision, 1-0, 2-1.

Redshirt freshman Dan Bishop (Whitehall, NY/Whitehall) and freshman
Jimmy Hamel (Natick, MA/Natick) were both on the verge of earning
All-American finishes, providing strong efforts in the wrestlebacks. Bishop
was handed his first loss against 2007 NCAA All-American Obe Blanc of Lock
Haven, 2-0, 3-0, before earning two victories in the wrestlebacks. Bishop
would be denied an All-American placing after falling to Matt Steintrager of
Central Michigan, 2-1, 9-0. Hamel was another Bull who redshirted the
2006-07 season, providing a glimpse of next season as he went 4-2 on the
weekend. Hamel fell to Kent State's Eric Chine, 2-0, 2-0 in the
wrestlebacks.

The Bulls finished the 2006-07 season with a 8-7 record.

Buffalo's Budd Falls in Wrestle-back Action

Budd finishes career as one of UB's best ever

DETROIT, MI - Mark Budd's (Orrville, OH/Orrville)journey into the All-American round came to an abrupt end Friday morning, as he was pinned by Harvard's Rob Preston at 6:50 in the second consolation bracket at the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships. The University at Buffalo senior was down 3-0 in the third period, when Preston turned him and caught him with the fall.

Having never faced Preston in his collegiate career, both competitors went into collar ties for a majority of the opening period. It was not until the closing seconds of the first when Budd attempted a shot at the legs for the two-point takedown as time expired.

Preston would be the first to get on the scoreboard, earning a penalty point as the official called Budd for illegally interlocking hands. Still at the neutral level, Preston shot behind Budd and was able to hang on to the waist, scoring the takedown and building the lead to 3-0.

With a moderate lead, Preston put on extra riding time as Budd elected the down position to start the third period. After a few tilt attempts, Preston caught Budd with a turn that enabled him to pick up the pinfall with 50 seconds remaining, thus ending the match and Budd's hopes of advancing in the wrestle-backs and a chance to attain All-American status.

Budd completes his senior campaign with a 36-6 overall record, the sixth-best win total in Buffalo lore. He ends his stellar UB wrestling career with a 104-37 overall record. His win total is third-best in school history, while his .738 career winning percentage is 11th best.

Buffalo Blinded by Kent State, 31-7

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad completed its
Mid-American Conference schedule Friday night on a sour note, dropping its
final home dual meet match to nationally 25th-ranked Kent State, 31-7.  The
Bulls end the conference season at 0-5 despite strong efforts from senior
Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) and junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro,
MA/Foxboro), who each landed wins for UB.
   
The Bulls are currently riding a five-match losing streak (each of which
came against conference) as they drop to 7-7 on the season.  The 0-5 record
marks the first time since joining the MAC in 1998 that Buffalo was unable
to capture a conference win.  The MAC-leading Golden Flashes (14-2, 3-0 MAC)
took eight matches in part due to their seven nationally-ranked grapplers,
each of whom captured wins.
   
Redshirt freshman Dan Bishop (Whitehall, NY/Whitehall) landed the first
punch in the meet by scoring an early takedown against nationally
18th-ranked Chad Sportelli.  Unfortunately, Sportelli's experience would
allow him to score key takedowns and score over two minutes of riding time
to win, 9-3.
   
At 133 pounds, Mark Budd continued to plow past conference foes,
cementing a perfect 5-0 MAC record with a 9-0 against Danny Mitcheff.  On
senior day, Budd shutout Mitcheff for his 99th career victory and is in line
to earn his monumental 100th win at Binghamton next weekend.  The feat has
been reached by only three others in UB lore.  Budd remains undefeated in
dual meet action (14-0).
   
Junior Mike Ragusa also won over the crowd at Alumni Arena Friday night
by ending his five-match losing streak against Sli Bostelman, 8-4.  Ragusa
landed three takedowns in all, winning his first match at home since the
home opener on Nov. 18 against Princeton.
   
141-pounder Andrew Stella (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) was prevented of
his first-ever conference win against Drew Lashaway, 10-4.  The redshirt
freshman scored four escapes in the hard-fought match and is now three shy
of the UB single-season escapes record held by Mark Crays (1990-91).
   
The second senior on the Bulls starting roster, 184-pounder Ray Lamb
(Vineland, NJ/Absegami) was within seconds of forcing an overtime bout with
nationally 20th-ranked Eric Chine.  Both competitors entered the final
stanza with Lamb ahead, 1-0.  With it being Kent State's choice, Chine chose
the down position and earned a escape to lock the score at 1-1.  With time
winding down, Chine closed in and scored a takedown with :02 left in the
match to take the decision, 3-1.
   
Nationally 19th-ranked Jermail Porter bullied heavyweight Jason Weber
(Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) with a 8-3 decision.  Porter allowed Weber
to score three escapes, but immediately hammered down on Weber with three
takedowns.  The Kent State heavyweight was Weber's third-straight
nationally-ranked opponent faced in as many meets, earning a record of 1-2
in that span.
   
Buffalo journeys to the Southern Tier to tangle with Binghamton
University on Saturday, February 17 in its final dual meet of the 2006-07
season.  The Bulls will look to land their 16th win over the Bearcats in 20
lifetime meetings, as well as build momentum heading into the Mid-American
Conference Championships to be held at UB's Alumni Arena on March 3-4.
Saturday's meet is scheduled for 7 p.m.

#25 Kent State 31, Buffalo 7
Feb. 9, 2007 * Buffalo, NY
125 - Sportelli (KSU) dec. Bishop (UB), 9-3
133 - Budd (UB) maj. dec. Mitcheff (KSU), 9-0
141 - Lashaway (KSU) dec. Stella (UB), 10-4
149 - McGee (KSU) maj. dec. Hilliard (UB), 14-1
157 - Gross (KSU) pinned Hunt (UB) at 4:47
165 - Ragusa (UB) dec. Bostelman (KSU), 8-4
174 - Miller (KSU) dec. Rock (UB), 6-3
184 - Chine (KSU) dec. Lamb (UB), 3-1
197 - Ramadani (KSU) won by forfeit
285 - Porter (KSU) dec. Weber (UB), 8-3

Buffalo Bulls Bullied By Nationally Sixth-Ranked Central Michigan, 35-3

Budd tallies 101st takedown, 98th victory of UB career

MT. PLEASANT, MI -The University at Buffalo wrestling team suffered its second defeat of the weekend at the hands of nationally sixth-ranked Central Michigan, 35-3, on Sunday afternoon.  With the team having played to a 28-10 decision last night, the Bulls battled fatigue, having only capitalized on one match won by senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville).

            Buffalo (7-6, 0-4 MAC) faced a season-high seven nationally-ranked Chippeweas (14-4-1, 2-0 MAC), who won nine of 10 events.  The Bulls are currently riding a six-match losing streak against Mid-American Conference opponents dating back to last season.

Budd, ranked 17th according to InterMat/NWCA/NWMA scored four takedowns in a 10-4 decision over CMU's Conor Beebe, to move to 12-0 in dual meets on the season.  Having earned his 100th career takedown last night against Eastern Michigan, Budd now ranks fourth in UB history with 103 career takedowns.  Budd now stands with an overall record of 30-4.

Junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) took nationally 19th-ranked Trevor Stewart into the second period with a 0-0 tie.  However, Stewart would score an escape and a takedown to score the 4-1 decision.

The Bulls next welcome nationally 24th-ranked Kent State on February 9th, where seniors Jake Blowers (Johnstown, NY/Broadalbin-Perth), Mark Budd, Ray Lamb (Vineland, NJ/Absegami), and Mike Shannon (Albany, NY/Colonie) will be honored at Senior Day in their last regular season match at Alumni Arena.  The meet is scheduled for 7 p.m.

No. 6 CMU 35, Buffalo 3
125: No. 20 Luke Smith (CMU) dec. Dan Bishop (UB), 7-2; CMU leads 3-0
133: No. 17 Mark Budd (UB) dec. Conor Beebe (CMU), 10-4; Tied 3-3
141: No. 17 Eric Kruger (CMU) maj. dec. Andrew Stella (UB), 14-0; CMU leads 7-3
149: Tyler Grayson (CMU) maj. dec. Jason Hilliard (UB), 11-3; CMU leads 11-3
157: Andy Keller (CMU) maj. dec. Justin Hunt (UB), 16-8; CMU leads 15-3
165: No. 19 Trevor Stewart (CMU) dec. Mike Ragusa (UB), 4-1; CMU leads 18-3
174: No. 6 Brandon Sinnott (CMU) maj. dec. Nate Rock (UB), 16-5; CMU leads 22-3
184: No. 8 Christian Sinnott (CMU) maj. dec. Ray Lamb (UB), 18-4; CMU leads 26-3
197: No. 7 Wynn Michalak (CMU) pin Jake Blowers (UB) at 1:05; CMU leads 32-3
285: No. 3 Bubba Gritter (CMU) dec. Jason Weber (UB), 7-1; CMU leads 35-3

Buffalo Wrestling Head Coach Beichner Named President-Elect Of The NWCA

UB coach to assume presidency in 2008

PITTSBURGH, PA - The National Wrestling Coaches Association approved the
motion of electing University at Buffalo wrestling head coach Jim Beichner
as President-elect earlier this year at its annual general membership
meeting held in Pittsburgh, PA.  Beichner was voted to succeed
recently-elected Ron Mirkitani of St. Louis-Meremac, who assumed the role of
President this year, and will begin a two-year term beginning in 2008.
   
The NWCA is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide
leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with
primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate programs. The membership
embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling.  The NWCA, through its
organizational structure, promotes communication, recognizes achievement,
recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events, and serves as an
educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to
foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic
competition.
   
"They are a great group of people who promote the sport of wrestling and
make a difference," coach Beichner said.  "I am hoping I can do a fraction
of what they are doing."

Buffalo Dropped By Eastern Michigan , 28-10

Buffalo suffers third straight Mid-American Conference defeat

YPSILANTI, MI - The University at Buffalo wrestling team headed out Saturday
morning to the State of Michigan for the first of two consecutive
Mid-American Conference matches in a two-day span.  Despite a strong 7-0
lead after two matches, the Bulls were unable to turn the contest in their
favor, falling to Eastern Michigan, 28-10.  The defeat prevents the Bulls
from capturing their first conference win of the season, as they are now
riding a three-match losing skid.
   
With a 7-0 lead, the Bulls (7-5, 0-3 MAC) handed the Eagles (4-5, 1-3
MAC) five straight decisions that resulted in 18 unanswered points.  The
deficit was too much, as Eastern Michigan scored its first conference win of
the season.
   
Redshirt freshman Dan Bishop (Whitehall, NY/Whitehall) kicked off the
dual meet with a dominating 12-0 major decision over fellow redshirt
freshman Jack Cassedy.  It is the largest margin of victory handed out this
season by Bishop at 125 pounds, as he captured his first career conference
win.  Senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) continues to pave his
way towards a MAC Championship by earning a 5-2 decision over Chris Jenkins.
With the win, Budd increases his career wins total to 97 and remains 3 wins
shy of joining the 100-win club which features only four others in school
history.
   
Three straight major decisions doomed Buffalo, as the tables soon turned
in EMU's favor.  EMU's Jermain Thompson, currently ranked 18th in the nation
according to the InterMat/NWCA/NWMA Individual Rankings poll at 149 pounds,
bounced back from a loss the previous meet against Central Michigan's
Brandon Carter to hand redshirt freshman Jason Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern
Cayuga) his second conference loss of the season, 14-3.
   
Senior Ray Lamb (Vineland, NJ/Absegami) ended the EMU run by claiming
his 20th victory of the season in a 11-3 win over John McClure, ranked
fourth in the conference at 184 pounds.  Lamb has now won seven of his last
eight dual meet matches.  With the match becoming close once again, redshirt
freshman Ricky Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central), ranked third in the
conference at 197 pounds, was pinned by Tony Lyssiotis, ranked fourth in the
MAC, preventing the Bulls from squeezing a comeback and the first win of the
Michigan road trip.
   
The Bulls travel cross state to Mt. Pleasant, MI, where they will take
on the nationally sixth-ranked Central Michigan Chippeweas on Sunday.  The
meet is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Eastern Michigan 28, Buffalo 10
Feb. 3, 2007 - Ypsilanti, MI

125 - Dan Bishop (UB) dec. Jack Cassedy (EMU), 12-0
133 - Mark Budd (UB) dec. Chris Jenkins (EMU), 5-2
141 - Zach Donofrio (EMU) maj. dec. Andrew Stella (UB), 17-7
149 - #18 Jermain Thompson (EMU) maj. dec. Jason Hilliard (UB)    14-3
157 - Cory Mancuso (EMU) maj. dec. Justin Hunt (UB), 17-0
165 - Nick Conklin (EMU) dec. Mike Ragusa (UB), 6-3
174 - Josh Lewis (EMU) dec. Nate Rock (UB), 11-6
184 - Ray Lamb (UB) dec. John McClure (EMU), 11-3
197 - Tony Lyssiotis (EMU) pinned Ricky Scott (UB), 2:26
285 - Charlie Walker (EMU) dec. Jason Weber (UB), 4-3

  Buffalo Drop Conference Match To Ohio, 25-9

Budd’s dual meet win streak increased to 11

ATHENS, OH The University at Buffalo wrestling squad were prevented of its
first Mid-American Conference victory Saturday afternoon, as it was downed by
Ohio, 25-9.  A reversal of last year’Äôs 25-9 UB victory, the Bulls could only
muster three dual-meet decisions in the team’Äôs second conference defeat of the
season.

With the meet starting at 125 pounds, the Bobcats (13-6, 2-1) took
an early 3-0 lead.  The MAC’s top-ranked wrestler at 133 pounds, senior
captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville), disposed of Terry Jackson, ranked
second in the MAC behind Budd, 2-1.  Budd held a riding time advantage at the
end of the match that boosted him to his 28th win of the season.  He remains a
perfect 11-0 in dual meet action.

The Bobcats would presume to score 19 unanswered points before the
Bulls (7-4, 0-2) would earn its second decision of the match at 184 pounds.
Senior Ray Lamb (Vineland, NJ/Absegami) capitalized on three takedowns to claim
the 7-4 victory.  At 197 pounds, redshirt freshman Ricky Scott (Walden,
NY/Valley Central) fell behind at the start of the second period following a
reversal from Larry Reichard.  The two points earned on the turn would be too
much, as Scott would only be awarded an escape in the final period, dropping the
3-1 decision.

The meet’s final match would feature the debut of freshman Jason
Weber (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park), who ended Marcus Adelman’Äôs nine-win
streak with a 5-4 decision.  Coming in to the match ranked 30th in
Wrestlingreport.com’Äôs top 30 national ranking poll, Adelman fell behind, 3-0,
after Weber posted an escape and a takedown.  A late takedown in the final
period would clinch the Orchard Park native’Äôs first collegiate dual meet
victory.

The Bulls will continue its quest for their first conference win, as
it travels to Eastern Michigan on Feb. 3.  The meet is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Buffalo Bulls Place Third At New York State Wrestling Championships

Jason Hilliard captures individual title at 149 lbs.

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad battled its way to a
third-place finish at the 38th Annual New York State Intercollegiate
Wrestling Championships on Friday and Saturday, which was hosted at UB's
Alumni Arena.  The Bulls were one of three teams to score 100 team points,
as redshirt freshman Jason Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga) was the lone
UB grappler to claim an individual title at 149 pounds.  Redshirt freshman
Dan Bishop (Whitehall, NY/Whitehall), senior Mark Budd (Orrville,
OH/Orrville), and junior Nate Rock (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata) each settled for
second in their respective weight classes.
   
Following a semifinal 12-2 upset over Division III's nationally
seventh-ranked Eugene Kobilansky of NYU, Hilliard was matched up with Matt
Dunn of Columbia, seeded second in the tournament.  Hilliard scored a
takedown in the third period to break the 4-4 tie, and ultimately claim his
first-ever collegiate tournament title.  With the win, Hilliard continues a
streak in which at least one Bull has won a New York State individual title
in the last five years.
   
Possibly one of the largest upsets of the day occured at the 133-pound
finals, in which Mark Budd was prevented of his third-straight New York
State title by Army's William Simpson, who scored a 4-3 decision to take the
title.  Simpson scored a two-point near fall in the final frame to seal the
win for the Black Knights, sending Budd to only his fourth defeat of the
season.  William became the third Simpson brother to win a New York State
title.
   
At 125 pounds, Dan Bishop had to settle for second place, as he dropped
his championship decision to Army's Fernando Martinez, 10-5.  Prior to his
first-ever collegiate tournament appearence, Bishop landed a pinfall over
Division III's nationally fifth-ranked Mike McInally of R.I.T. at the 2:00
mark.  Nate Rock proceeded to upset Division III's nationally sixth-ranked
Treavor LeBlanc of Cortland in the 174 pound semifinals, 3-0, to match up
with yet another ranked opponent, Columbia's Matt Palmer.  The nationally
17th-ranked Palmer ran into a tough battle in the championship match, but
prevailed with a 3-0 decision.  Rock became the third Bull to place second
at the championships.
   
Redshirt freshman Ricky Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central) drew a
semifinal match with Columbia's top-seeded Nick Sommerfield, and narrowly
landed another UB upset at 197 lbs.  However, Sommerfield held on to the
slim 3-2 lead to escape with the win and an appearence in the championship
bout.  In the third-place match, Scott ran into another tough battle with
Alfred State's Jamie Luckett.  The third-seed, Luckett managed three
takedowns to score the win, sending Scott into a fourth-place finish.
   
Top-seeded Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) had redemption on his mind
after dropping two consecutive matches to Cornell's Mike Mackie and
Brockport's Shaheim Bradshaw, currently Division III's nationally
seventh-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds.  Ragusa upended Nassau's
second-seeded Chris Wade, 9-5, to take fifth place.     Other fifth-place
finishers for Buffalo were redshirt freshmen Andrew Stella (Tonawanda,
NY/Sweet Home) and Justin Hunt (Salem, NY/Salem).
   
The meet's overall champions were nationally 24th-ranked Columbia
University, taking six individual titles for its first NYS Wrestling
Championship team title in school history.  Along with the six top
finishers, the Lions also secured two runner-ups.  Army's William Simpson
took the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler trophy, becoming the third
Simpson brother to win a state title.
   
The Bulls return to conference dual-meet action, when they take on Ohio
on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.

Top Team Scores (final)

1    Columbia    167.5
2    Army        157
3    Buffalo    131.5
4    Nassau    82
5    Brockport    70
6    Ithaca    65.5
7    Cornell    61.5
8    Oneonta    41
9    NYU    40.5
10    Hunter    37.5
10    RIT    37.5
12    Cortland    32.5
13    NCCC    28.5
13    Oswego    28.5
15    Alfred State    20
16    Morrisville    15.5

University of Buffalo To Host New York State Collegiate Wrestling Championships

Annual tournament to comprise of 16 colleges and four state-ranked WNY high
schools

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo will play host to the 38th Annual
New York State Intercollegiate Wrestling Championships this Friday and
Saturday (Jan. 18-19) at Alumni Arena.  The annual tournament will feature
16 colleges and universities from around the state and, for the first time
in NYSIWC history, will welcome four state-ranked high school wrestling
squads who will match up in dual meet action.
   
In order to expose college wrestling in New York State to high school
programs, the New York State College Wrestling Coach Association have
brought in four WNY programs who are all ranked in the top 25 in the state
according to the New York State Sportswriters Association.  The top ranked
high school program in the state, Spencerport, comes into this weekend's
events at a perfect 11-0 record.  The Rangers will be joined by
Rush-Henrietta (5-0) and Niagara-Wheatfield (4-0), who are ranked 16th and
23rd respectively among large schools.  Representing the small schools is
Fredonia, ranked fifth in the state with a 7-1 record.  The high school dual
matches will begin on Saturday at 12:30.
   
This year, the collegiate championships will feature six
nationally-ranked teams.  Columbia represents the 24th-ranked team in the
Division I rankings, earning its first-ever national ranking.  A plethora of
New York State schools make up a majority of the Division III rankings, led
by seventh-ranked Cortland.  SUNY Brockport maintains a ranking of 15th
despite a record of 0-1, while Ithaca (22nd), Oneonta (25th) and NYU (27th)
bring up the bottom.  Other schools looking to make an impact this weekend
are Alfred State, Army, Buffalo, Hunter, Jamestown CC, Morrisville, Nassau
CC, Niagara CC, Oswego State and R.I.T.
   
The preliminary rounds are set to begin at 11 a.m. Friday morning.

Tournament Schedule

Thursday, January 18th
Open Mats    3:00 - 9:00
Team Registration    4:00 - 6:00
Mandatory Medical Check    5:00 -7:00
Coaches Seeding Meeting    7:30 pm

Friday, January 19th
Weigh In    9:00 am
Coaches Assoc. Meeting    9:30 - 10:45
Preliminary Rounds    11:00 - 3:00
Quarterfinals    3:00 - 5:00
2nd Round Consolations    5:00 - 7:00

Saturday, January 20th
Coaches Assoc. Meeting    9:00 - 10:30
College Weigh In    9:00 am
Semifinal Consolations    10:00 - 11:30
2nd Semi Consolations     11:30 - 12:30
High School Weigh In    11:00 am
High School Duals    12:30 - 4:30
    12:30 - 2:30
            - Niagara Wheatfield vs. Spencerport
            - Fredonia vs. Rush Henrietta
    2:30 - 4:30
            - Rush Henrietta vs. Niagara Wheatfield
            - Fredonia vs. Spencerport
Collegiate Championship Round    4:30 - 7:00

Former University of Buffalo Grappler To Compete In Takhti Cup in Iran

Kyle Cerminara slated to start at 211.5 lbs. for the U.S. men's freestyle
wrestling team

BUFFALO, NY - Six months after winning a championship title at the 2006
Canada Cup, former UB wrestling great Kyle Cerminara (Lewiston,
NY/Lewiston-Porter) has been tabbed to represent the United States at the
2007 Takhti Cup in Bandar Abbas, Iran on January 18-19.  Cerminara, UB's
all-time winningest wrestler, will compete at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. on a
14-athlete roster consisting of former world championship medalists, U.S.
World Team members, and U.S. Nationals freestyle champions.
    Cerminara is one of four teammates representing the New York Athletic
Conference.  The Lewiston, NY native will join the likes of 2006 World
silver medalist Mike Zadick as well as 2006 U.S. World Team member Andy
Hrovat and 2005 U.S. World Team member Mo Lawal.  Coaching the U.S. team
will be USA Wrestling's National Freestyle Resident Coach Terry Brands, a
two-time World champion and 2000 Olympic bronze medalist, along with veteran
coach Ed Giese of Woodale, Ill.
   
Since his championship run at the 2006 Canada Cup in July, Cerminara has
been training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO,
fighting for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team when it competes in Beijing,
China in 2008.  In November, Cerminara finished fourth at the American
Airlines/NYAC Holiday International.
   
While at UB, Cerminara began his final season on a 34-match winning
streak, which included a first-place finish at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas
Invitational. Overall, Cerminara finished his senior season with a 39-4
record and was the winner of every tournament he competed in throughout the
season, before finishing second at the MAC Championships.  Cerminara left
Buffalo with a career record of 137-35 (.796), which is sixth all-time for
the Bulls.
   
"We're really proud of Kyle," Buffalo head coach Jim Beichner said.
"He's been working really hard to earn a chance to represent his country at
the next Olympic games.  He has his goals set and knows where he wants to be
at in terms of his developmental process.  We're all rooting for him here."

Buffalo Drops Conference Opener to Northern Illinois, 30-6

Bulls' five-meet win streak snapped at home

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad dropped its last
five matches Sunday afternoon to fall to Mid-American Conference foe
Northern Illinois, 30-6.  The defeat marks the sixth-straight at the hands
of the Huskies dating back to the 2001-02 season.  Senior Mark Budd
(Orrville, OH/Orrville) and junior Jeff Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) were
able to collect individual wins in the team's first day of conference
action.
   
Starting the meet off at the 184 lb. weight class, the Bulls were unable
to pick up a win until Parker's heavyweight bout.  The Foxboro,
Massachusetts native took his match with Dave Benner into two overtime
sessions before he was awarded the win based on riding time.  Parker's 17th
victory of the season ties his personal season-best mark set in the 2004-05
season.
   
Redshirt freshman Dan Bishop (Whitehall, NY/Whitehall) challenged the
Huskie's nationally-17th ranked Pat Castillo in the 125 lb. bout, but
Castillo was too much, scoring seven takedowns and was awarded riding time
to pick up his first MAC win of the season.  Budd managed to retain the UB
momentum, as he began his quest for a consecutive MAC Championship.
However, Chad Vandiver would give the nationally 12th-ranked Budd a tough
battle, taking the match into overtime at 1-1.  However, experience would
provide the outcome, as Budd scored a three-point near fall in the first
overtime, to win his tenth dual match, 4-1.
   
With the score at 21-6 in NIU's favor, redshirt freshman Justin Hunt
(Salem, NY/Salem) attempted to cut the deficit with a close match at 157
lbs.  Hunt scored an early reversal in the third period against Kalen Knull
to tie the score at 4-4, but an escape and one point awarded for riding time
would send the Huskies to a commanding 24-6 lead.
   
Nationally ninth-ranked Mike Grimes scored a major decision over
redshirt freshman Jason Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga), 14-5, at 149
pounds, while the Huskie's other nationally ninth-ranked Johnny Galloway
downed junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro), 11-4, to increase its lead
and put the conference match away.
   
The Bulls next host the 38th annual New York State Intercollegiate
Wrestling Championships on Jan. 19-20, which will feature 16 of the best
collegiate teams in the state, and also will play host to four state-ranked
high schools ini dual meet action.  The preliminary rounds are scheduled for
11 am on Friday.

Northern Illinois 30, Buffalo 6
Jan. 14, 2007 * Buffalo, NY
125 - #17 Castillo (NIU) maj. dec. Bishop (UB), 16-6
133 - #12 Budd (UB) dec. Vandiver (NIU), 4-1 (ot)
141 - Metcalfe (NIU) dec. by fall Stella (UB), at 4:04
149 - #9 Grimes (NIU) maj. dec. Hilliard (UB), 14-5
157 - Knull (NIU) dec. Hunt (UB), 6-4
165 - #9 Galloway (NIU) maj. dec. Ragusa (UB), 11-4
174 - Da. Burk (NIU) dec. Rock (UB), 8-3
184 - #16 Du. Burk (NIU) maj. dec. Lamb (UB), 14-3
197 - McClone (NIU) dec. Scott (UB), 2-1 (ot)
285 - Parker (UB) dec. Benner (NIU), 4-3 (ot)

Buffalo Records Fifth Straight Win, Defeats UNC-Greensboro, 22-14

Bulls edge out a 3-0 record in North Carolina road swing

GREENSBORO, NC - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad assured its fifth
straight dual meet victory, as it defeated UNC-Greensboro Wednesday night,
22-14. The Bulls prevailed as a result of monster performances by senior
Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) and redshirt freshman Jason Hilliard
(Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga), each earning technical falls in UB's third meet
in two days.

After the Spartans (2-1) grabbed the initial lead 4-0, Buffalo (7-2)
rebounded to find a familiar position at 133 pounds with nationally
12th-ranked Mark Budd landing a massive 20-4 technical fall over Mitchell
Johnson. Despite the effort at 141 pounds, redshirt freshman Andrew Stella
(Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) was overmatched by his adversary, as the
Spartans' Chris Bencivenga secured 23 points to counteract Stella's 11,
landing the major decision.

Buffalo retained the lead once again following another lopsided
technical fall. Jason Hilliard shutout Marcus Hannah by a count of 18-0,
earning his 15th win of the season. Freshman Justin Hunt (Salem, NY/Salem)
and junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) each hammered home decisions to
make the score 16-8 heading into the 174-lb. bout. Junior Nate Rock
(Ephrata, PA/Ephrata) and senior Ray Lamb (Vineland, NJ/Absegami) each saw
overtimes sessions in their respective bouts, with Lamb managing to pick up
the decision over Scott Snyder, 3-1, making it more difficult for the
Spartans to seize its third straight win of the season.

Redshirt freshman Ricky Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central) snagged his
18th win of the season at the hands of Nick Clark, 4-2. Scott is second on
the team in wins, and has won six of his last seven matches. Junior Jeff
Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) was unable to win his 17th match of the season,
as he fell to Joe Sheffield, 3-1.

The Bulls claimed their third straight victory against a team from the
Southern Conference, winning decisively against Davidson on Jan. 4 by a
score of 33-6, and most recently handed Appalachian State a 25-16 defeat.

Buffalo returns home to Alumni Arena on Sunday, as the team welcome its
first Mid-American Conference opponent of the season in Northern Illinois.
The Huskies are 0-1 following a 26-9 defeat at the hands of Wisconsin, and
feature four nationally-ranked wrestlers. The meet is scheduled for 12 p.m.

125 - Jeff Hedges (UNCG) def. Dan Bishop (Buffalo) by major decision, 13-5
133 - Mark Budd (Buffalo) def. Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) by tech. fall, 20-4
141 - Chris Bencivenga (UNCG) def. Andrew Stella (Buffalo) by major
decision, 23-11
149 - Jason Hilliard (Buffalo) def. Marcus Hannah (UNCG) by tech. fall, 18-0
157 - Justin Hunt (Buffalo) def. Nate Berryman (UNCG) by decision, 6-2
165 - Mike Ragusa (Buffalo) def. Mark Ring (UNCG) by decision, 5-2
174 - Joe Lowe (UNCG) def. Nate Rock (Buffalo) by decision, 6-4 in OT
184 - Ray Lamb (Buffalo) def. Scott Snyder (UNCG) by decision, 3-1 in OT
197 - Ricky Scott (Buffalo) def. Nick Clark (UNCG) by decision, 4-2
285 - Joe Sheffield (UNCG) def. Jeff Parker (Buffalo) by decision, 3-1

Buffalo's Budd Pins Pair For 90th Career Victory

Bulls Drop Gardner-Webb, 42-3; Appalachian State, 25-16

BOONE, NC – Senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) became just the
seventh grappler in school history to win 90 matches in a career, as he led the
University at Buffalo wrestling squad to a duo of dual meet victories Tuesday
afternoon. The Bulls (6-2) toppled over Gardner-Webb, 42-3, while two early
pinfalls boosted the Bulls past Appalachian State, 25-16.

Budd picked up right where he left off before the holiday break, as the
nationally-12th ranked 133-pounder scored a pin over Gardner-Webb’s Rob Tate
at 4:32. The match highlighted a string of eight straight victories over the
Bulldogs (3-8-1). Redshirt freshmen Andrew Stella (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) and
Jason Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga) continued the trend by landing
consecutive pinfalls to add six dual meet points to the Bulls’ score. Stella
pinned Chaz Franz in 3:22, while Hilliard scored a fall over Josh Lowe in 2:45.
The 42-3 landslide victory is the third time this season that the Bulls have
scored more than 40 points on their opposition, and the second time in as many
lifetime meetings that UB scored 40-plus points on Gardner-Webb.

The second bout of the afternoon versus Appalachian State (4-9) proved to carry
a more competitive atmosphere, but Buffalo would take the lead early and never
look back. Redshirt freshman Dan Bishop (Whitehall, NY/Whitehall) picked up his
first career pin against Frank Celorrio in the 125-lb. bout, while Mark Budd
claimed his second pin of the afternoon over Corey Hulsey. The early 12-point
lead would slowly be chiseled away, as the Mountaineers earned three consecutive
victories to make the score 12-10. Scott Ervin, nationally-ranked 16th at 149
pounds, overmatched Jason Hilliard in a 13-0 technical fall. Junior Mike Ragusa
(Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) fought back to his winning ways by taking his second
victory of the afternoon. Ragusa took App State’s Tommy Hutchinson into
overtime, and managed to come away with a 9-7 decision. The Bulls’ heavy
hitters of senior Ray Lamb (Vineland, NJ/Absegami) and redshirt freshman Ricky
Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central) were too much for the Mountaineers, as Lamb
scored a 9-1 major decision over Dan Carrasco, and Scott pinned Brandon Brothers
in 3:29. Buffalo will look to finish its North Carolina road swing 3-0, as it
travels to Greensboro to tangle with the Spartans. The Spartans defeated the
Bulls last season in Alumni Arena, 22-20, in both team’s only career meeting.
The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m

Buffalo 42, Gardner-Webb 3

Boone, NC - January 9, 2007

125 - Dan Bishop (UB) def. Cortney Roberts (GWU), 10-6
133 - Mark Budd (UB) pinned Rob Tate (GWU) 4:32
141 - Andrew Stella (UB) pinned Chaz Franz (GWU) 3:22
149 - Jason Hilliard (UB) pinned Josh Lowe (GWU) 2:45
157 - Justin Hunt (UB) Forfeit
165 - Mike Ragusa (UB) Forfeit
174 - Nate Rock (UB) def. Chad Davis (GWU) 6-1
184 - Ray Lamb (UB) def. Brandon Beach (GWU) 3-2
197 - Dustin Porter (GWU) def. Ricky Scott (UB) 3-2
HWT - Jeff Parker (UB) def. Nick Roehrick (GWU) 3-2

Buffalo 25, Appalachian State 16

Boone, NC - January 9, 2007

125 - Dan Bishop (UB) pinned Frank Celorrio (ASU) 4:00
133 - Mark Budd (UB) pinned Corey Hulsey (ASU) 2:50
141 - Clinton Swango (ASU) def. Andrew Stella (UB) 7-6
149 - Scott Ervin (ASU) def. Jason Hilliard (UB) 13-0
157 - Eddie Hutchinson (ASU) def. Justin Hunt (UB) 6-0
165 - Mike Ragusa (UB) def. Tommy Hutchinson (ASU) 9-7 ot
174 - Neal Martin (ASU) def. Nate Rock (UB) 4-1
184 - Ray Lamb (UB) def. Dan Carrasco (ASU) 9-1
197 - Ricky Scott (UB) pinned Brandon Brothers (ASU) 3:29
HWT - Dave Hazell (ASU) def. Jeff Parker (UB) 4-0

Bulls Post Two Victories Against Clarion and Davidson

Buffalo moves to 4-2, Budd clinches 30th career dual win

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad handed defeats to
two teams Thursday afternoon, as it downed Davidson College, 33-6, and
Clarion University, 23-16. The Bulls capped off a successful Thursday
afternoon on the mats with a four-match win streak to pull past Clarion and
ultimately go undefeated on the day in tri-meet action.

Buffalo (4-2) rallied past the Davidson (0-2) behind its core of
lightweight wrestlers. Senior captain Mark Budd Mark Budd (Orrville,
OH/Orrville) showed why he is ranked 12th in the most recent USA
Today/InterMat/NWCA poll at 133 lbs., as he recorded five takedowns en route
to a technical fall over Chris Panfili, 19-3. Redshirt freshman Jason
Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga) stepped in at 149 pounds, scoring four
points for the Bulls as he defeated Scott Matthews, 12-0. With the Wildcats
scoring six points at 165 and 174 pounds, UB put the match away with a trio
of victories in the upperweight class.

In the later bout, Clarion slowly built up a 16-6 lead entering the 174
pound match. At 133 punds, Budd pinned Tyler Leljedal in 2:41, earning his
30th career dual meet victory along with his 88th career win, which ranks
him seventh in school history. Cutting the deficit, the Bulls won the final
four matches to upend the Golden Eagles (4-5). Junior Nate Rock (Ephrata,
PA/Ephrata) scored an escape in the third frame to tie up the match with
Scott Joseph and enter overtime at 1-1. Rock would then turn on the
burners, scoring a three-point near fall and four additional points to end
the match with a score of 8-1. Redshirt freshman Ricky Scott (Walden,
NY/Valley Central) earned a technical fall over Dixon Joseph, 17-2, scoring
five team points, to take the lead. Scott scored a plethora of near-fall
points to earn his fifth dual match of the year.

The Bulls returns to the mats on Tuesday, when they travel to
Appalachian, NC for their third straight tri-meet against Appalachian State
and Gardner-Webb. Action starts at 7:00 pm.

Buffalo 33, Davidson 6
Jan. 4, 2007 * Buffalo, NY
125 - Bishop (UB) dec. Altman (DC), 11-6
133 - #12 Budd (UB) tech. fall Panfili (DC), 19-3
141 - Stella (UB) dec. Avola (DC), 7-5
149 - Hilliard (UB) maj. dec. Matthews (DC), 12-0
157 - Hunt (UB) won by forfeit
165 - Clavette (DC) dec. Ragusa (UB),9-6
174 - Boyd (DC) dec. Rock (UB), 5-3
184 - Lamb (UB) dec. Cook (DC), 4-3
197 - Scott (UB) dec. O'Hair (DC), 4-1
285 - Parker (UB) won by forfeit

Buffalo 23, Clarion 16
Jan. 4, 2007 * Buffalo, NY
125 - Seger (CU) dec. Bishop (UB), 6-4
133 - Budd (UB) dec. by fall Leljedal (CU), at 2:41
141 - Lewis (CU) dec. Stella (UB), 10-4
149 - Harrison (CU) maj. dec. Needle (UB), 12-3
157 - Billups (CU) dec. Hunt (UB), 5-3
165 - Morelli (CU) dec. Ragusa (UB), 3-2
174 - Rock (UB) dec. Joseph (CU), 8-1
184 - Lamb (UB) won by forfeit
197 - Scott (UB) tech. fall Jordan (CU), 17-2
285 - Parker (UB) dec. Brooks (CU), 2-1

UB Wrestling Splits at Bloomsburg Duals

Bulls dominate Delaware State, 43-9, while dropping to Bloomsburg, 23-12

BLOOMSBURG, PA – A triumphant start against Delaware State would only lead to the University at Buffalo wrestling squad’s second defeat of the season at the hands of cross-state rival Bloomsburg Sunday. Senior Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) and redshirt freshman Andrew Stella (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) each remained undefeated with two victories on the afternoon, while junior Nate Rock (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata) and redshirt freshman Ricky Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central) picked up two clutch wins as well.

A trio of forfeits would prove costly for the Delaware State Hornets (0-9), who lost three meets on the afternoon. With a bit of a scare after dropping the match at 157 pounds, the Bulls bounced back to win the last five matches. Junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) earned a decision over Brandon Gardner, 6-2, while senior Ray Lamb (Vineland, NJ/Absegami) and Ricky Scott each posted falls over their respective opponents to rally the Bulls to the impressive win.

In the day’s final match, Buffalo encountered a tough Bloomsburg squad that wanted to prevent a sixth-straight loss at the Bulls’ hands. Mark Budd turned an impressive 5-2 decision over WrestlingReport’s No. 25-ranked Ricky Donald, making him the seventh straight 133-pound ranked wrestler Budd has faced in a three-week span. Andrew Stella would also post a dramatic 6-5 decision over Darren Kern, upping his dual meet record to 3-0 at 141 lbs. With a 6-5 lead over the Huskies, Buffalo would proceed to drop three straight matches before Nate Rock earned a 2-0 decision over Andrew Jordan. In an attempt to build a comeback, Ricky Scott dominated with a 10-0 major decision over P.J. Distefano. However, the deficit would be too much after junior Jeff Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) dropped a 7-0 decision to USA Today/Intermat/NWCA No. 18-ranked Mike Spaid.

Buffalo next faces another pair of opponents on Jan. 4, when Clarion and Davidson will contest with the Bulls in Alumni Arena. The match is set to begin at 1:00 pm.

Buffalo 43, Delaware State 9

125 - Sean Bauer (Buff) won by forfeit

133 - Mark Budd (Buff) won by forfeit

141 - Andrew Stella (Buff) won by forfeit

149 - Will Saylor (Del St) dec. Ryan Needle, 11-10

157 - Joshua McGregor (Del St) WBF over Steve Muldrow, 3:49

165 - Mike Ragusa (Buff) dec. Brandon Gardner, 6-2

174 - Nat Rock (Buff) won by forfeit

184 - Ray Lamb (Buff) WBF over Zumarr Archer, 4:50

197 - Rickey Scot (Buff) WBF over Chris Woodall, 1:31

HWT - Jeff Parker (Buff) maj. dec. Shawn Nowrey, 19-5

Bloomsburg 23, Buffalo 13

125 - Jason Guffey (Bloom) WTF over Sean Bauer, 17-1

133 - Mark Budd (Buff) dec. Ricky Donald, 5-2

141 - Andrew Stella (Buff) dec. Darren Kern, 6-5

149 - Matt Moley (Bloom) WBF oever Ryan Needle, 3:52

157 - Dennis Bermudez (Bloom) dec. Steve Muldrow, 10-6

165 - Ricky Schmelyun (Bloom) dec. Mike Ragusa, 5-2

174 - Nate Rock (Bloom) dec. Andrew Jordan, 2-0

184 - Nat Shirk (Bloom) dec. Ray Lamb, 11-5

197 - Ricky Scott (Buff) maj. dec. PJ Distefano, 10-0

HWT - Mike Spaid (Bloom) dec. Jeff Parker, 7-0

Bulls Trounced By #12 Fighting Scots, 31-6

Budd downs 16th-ranked Rick Deubel in dual-meet action

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad dropped its first
dual meet of the season Saturday morning to USA Today/InterMat/NWCA's
nationally-12th ranked Edinboro, 31-6. The Fighting Scots took eight
matches, including the final six to down the Bulls on their home mat.

Senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) challenged his
sixth-straight ranked opponent in Rick Deubel, who is ranked 16th by
InterMat. After a scoreless first period, both competitors looked to draw
first blood. Falling down 1-0 after a Deubel escape, Budd, ranked 9th by
InterMat, scored his 75th career takedown and never looked back, scoring an
escape and one-point for riding time in the 4-1 decision. Budd's overall
record stands at 16-3, going 3-3 in a six-match stretch against ranked
opponents.

Redshirt freshman Andrew Stella (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) capitalized
on an early takedown and an escape to force a 4-3 decision over Daryl
Cocozzo. Stella earned his first career dual match victory, scoring three
team points to make the score 6-4 after three matches.

However, Edinboro would reel off a stretch of six straight wins to run
away with its seventh win of the year. Junior Ryan Needle (Newfane,
NY/Newfane) fought tough against nationally-third ranked Gregor Gillespie at
149 pounds. Needle tied the match at 2-2 after posting a takedown in the
third period. However, Gillespie turned a reversal and was awarded a point
for riding time to take the contest, 5-2. Junior Jeff Parker (Foxboro,
MA/Foxboro) capped off the day's events with a trench fight against Joe
Fendone. Parker recorded a huge takedown in the third period to cut the
deficit to one, but the nationally-13th ranked Fendone rode a stretch of
four point to take the match, 7-2.

The Bulls travel to the Bloomsburg Duals on Dec. 17 to battle Bloomburg,
Delaware St. and Bucknell in tri-meet action. The meet is scheduled for 9
a.m.

#12 Edinboro 31, Buffalo 6
Dec. 9, 2006 Buffalo, NY
125 - Eric Morrill maj. Dec. Sean Bauer, 12-3
133 - #9 Mark Budd dec. #16 Rick Deubel, 4-1
141 - Andrew Stella dec. Daryl Cocozzo, 4-3
149 - #3 Gregor Gillespie dec. Ryan Needle, 5-2
157 - #7 Matt Hill tech. fall Scott Rendos, 16-0
165 - #8 Deonte Penn dec. by fall Mike Ragusa, at 4:18
174 - Philip Moricone dec. Nate Rock, 3-2
184 - #11 Alex Clemsen maj. dec. Jake Blowers, 14-4
197 - James Gibson dec. Ricky Scott, 3-1
285 - #13 Joe Fendone dec. Jeff Parker, 7-2

Budd Captures Sixth Place At Las Vegas Invitational

Bulls place 30th in the 47-team field

LAS VEGAS, NV - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad completed the final day at the 25th annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational Saturday evening, placing 28th in a field of 49. The Bulls performed well against many nationally-ranked competitors, as senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) tackled five nationally-ranked opponents, en route to a sixth-place finish.

Budd, ranked 10th according to the USA Today/InterMat/NWCA, began his quest for a championship by posting a 15-5 major decision against Ben Lockett of San Francisco State and upending Cal State-Fullerton's T.J. Dillashaw in overtime, 5-4. In order to advance to the round of 16, Budd would be slated against nationally-16th ranked Eric Albright of Virginia. After a 3-2 decision, Budd would meet his toughest opponent to date, in Missouri's Tyler McCormick, ranked fourth in the nation at 133 pounds. In heroic fashion, Budd posted a 3-1 sudden victory against the All-American, earning himself a spot in the semifinals for the first time in his career.

However, Budd's opponent, Tennessee-Chattanooga's Matt Keller would advance in a 6-4 decision. Ranked fifth in the nation, Keller sent Budd into the consolation rounds, where he met even stiffer competition in nationally-sixth ranked Darrell Vasquez of Cal Poly and ninth-ranked Drew Headlee of Pittsburgh. Budd would fall in each of those matches, finishing with a weekend record of 4-3. His 15 straight wins to kick off a season was the most in his career.

Redshirt freshman Ricky Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central) would join equal competition in the 197-pound bracket. With a 3-1 tiebreaker over Virginia's Kyle Narkiewicz, Scott insured himself a match with No. 18-ranked T.J. Morrison of Rider. Facing his first nationally-ranked opponent of his collegiate career, Scott fell by a 7-6 count.

The Walden, NY native would bounce back in the consolation round, handing decisions to Indiana's Nathan Everhart and Ohio's Larry Reichard. Scott would face his toughest opponent ever in Hofstra's Chris Weidman, who finished sixth at the NCAA Championships in 2006. Ranked sixth in the nation, Weidman posted 10 straight points on Scott, taking the major decision, 13-5. The defeat prevented Scott a chance to place at his first Las Vegas Invitational.

The Bulls sent nine grapplers in all to the annual invitational. Juniors Ryan Needle (Newfane, NY/Newfane), Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro), and Jeff Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) each posted wins, but fell shorts in the consolation rounds. Needle fell to nationally-fifth ranked Jordan Leen of Cornell in the preliminary round, 7-1, while Ragusa dropped a 4-1 decision to No. 13-ranked Max Dean of Indiana and Parker was upended by Oregon State's Ty Watterson, ranked sixth in the nation, halting their advances to the round of 16.

The Bulls will next host USA Today/NWCA/InterMat's 14th-ranked Edinboro Fighting Scots to Alumni Arena on Dec. 9. Last season, Mark Budd landed a monsterous upset bid over then top-ranked Shawn Bunch. The match is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

2006 Cliff Keen Invitational

Final Points Standings

1 - Missouri (157)

2 - Michigan (109)

3 - Pennsylvania (100.5)

4 - Nebraska (94)

5 - Wisconsin (90.5)

6 - Indiana (89.5)

7 - Harvard (70)

8 - UT-Chattanooga (69.5)

9 - Hofstra (68)

10 - Ohio State (66)

30 - Buffalo (22)

125 - Sean Bauer 0-2

Tyler Sim (Citadel) dec. Sean Bauer (UB), 5-0

Thomas Lorenza (Rider) dec. Sean Bauer (UB), 7-5 (ot)

133 - #10 Mark Budd 4-3

#10 Mark Budd (UB) maj. dec. Ben Lockett (SF St.), 15-5

#10 Mark Budd (UB) dec. T.J. Dillashaw (Cal State-Fullerton), 5-4 (ot)

#10 Mark Budd (UB) dec. #16 Eric Albright (UVA), 3-2

#10 Mark Budd (UB) dec. #4 Tyler McCormick (Missouri), 3-1 (ot)

#5 Matt Keller (UT-Chattanooga) dec. #10 Mark Budd (UB), 6-4

#6 Darrell Vasquez (Cal Poly) dec. #10 Mark Budd (UB), 5-3

#9 Drew Headlee (Pitt) dec. #10 Mark Budd (UB), 6-0

141 - Andrew Stella

Michael Arias (Citadel) dec. Andrew Stella (UB), 13-4

#16 Charles Griffin (Hofstra) dec. Andrew Stella (UB), 8-4

149 - Ryan Needle

#5 Jordan Leen dec. Ryan Needle (UB), 7-1

Ryan Needle (UB) def. Bridger Lord (Air Force), 1-0

Drew Dipasquale (UVA) dec. Ryan Needle, 9-4

157 - Scott Rendos

Dustin Olsen (Utah Valley St.) dec. Scott Rendos (UB), 5-1

Jeff Marsh (Michigan) dec. Scott Rendos (UB), 6-3

165 - Mike Ragusa

Mike Ragusa (UB) maj. dec. Jacob Ison (Ohio), 12-3

#13 Max Dean (Indiana) dec. Mike Ragusa (UB), 4-1

Nick Conklin (EMU) dec. Mike Ragusa (UB), 4-2 (2ot)

174 - Nate Rock

Trevor Perry (Indiana) dec. Nate Rock (UB), 5-4

Lloyd Rogers (UT-Chattanooga) maj. dec. Nate Rock (UB), 10-2

197 - Ricky Scott

Ricky Scott (UB) dec. Kyle Narkiewicz (UVA), 2-1

#18 T.J. Morrison (Rider) dec. Ricky Scott (UB), 7-6

Ricky Scott (UB) dec. Nathan Everhart (Indiana), 4-2

Ricky Scott (UB) dec. Larry Reichard (Ohio), 4-1

#6 Chris Weidman (Hofstra) maj. dec. Ricky Scott (UB), 13-5

285 - Jeff Parker

Jeff Parker (UB) maj. dec. Wade Empting (Missouri Valley), 11-1

Jeff Parker (UB) tech. fall Eric Large (Embry-Riddle), 25-9

#6 Ty Watterson (Oregon State) dec. Jeff Parker (UB), 5-0

Scott Smith (UVA) dec. Jeff Parker (UB), 7-3

Budd, Needle Claim Mat Town USA Tournament Titles

Bulls place eleven at non-scoring event

LOCK HAVEN, PA - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad posted strong
numbers at the 2006 Mat Town USA Tournament on Saturday as UB had five
finalists and eleven place winners. Senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville,
OH/Orrville) won his second Mat Town USA title at 133 pounds, while junior
Ryan Needle (Newfane, NY/Newfane) won his first title after moving up from
141 to 149.

In a change of course from last year's event, the Mat Town USA
Tournament was an open event instead of a team-scoring one, allowing a total
of nine schools to participate.

Budd, who is ranked in the top 10 in three of the major five national
ranking polls, remained dominant as he upped his overall 2006-07 record to
11-0. The Orrville, OH native posted three victories to capture his second
Mat Town title in as many years, including a 15-6 major decision against
B.J. Compton of Old Dominion. Needle, wrestling at 149 pounds, went 4-0
with a major decision. He downed Lock Haven's Daniel Harrington, 3-1, in
the finals.

At 174 pounds, juniors Mickey Moran (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler Area) and
Nate Rock (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata) each went 3-0 going into the final match, as
both would settle for a tie for second place. Junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro,
MA/Foxboro) cruised into the final event after winning two matches at 165
pounds, but fell to nationally-ranked Dave Rella of Penn State by a 8-4
count.

Placing third at the open tournament was redshirt freshmen Jason
Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga) at 149 lbs., Ricky Scott (Walden,
NY/Valley Central) at 197 lbs., and junior Jeff Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro)
at 285 lbs. After falling in the preliminary round, Hilliard went on a
five-match win streak to earn the placing. Scott won four-straight in the
consolation bracket, posting three falls and two major decisions in the
process.

Redshirt freshman Andrew Stella (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) earned a
fifth-place finish at 141 pounds, while senior Ray Lamb (Vineland,
NJ/Absegami) and freshman Jimmy Hamel (Natick, MA/Natick) both settled for
sixth at 197 pounds.

Buffalo next travels to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 25th annual Cliff Keen
Las Vegas Invitational on Friday, Dec. 1. The two-day event is an all-day
affair that will include over 50 colleges, including 13 of the top 25
Division I wrestling schools in the country.

Young but Seasoned Bulls Look to Stampede Through MAC

UB's core of returners and newcomers will try to move up the conference
ladder and turn heads in the process

Many would say that losing two NCAA qualifiers, one of them an
All-American, a season ago would doom a team who did not even finish in the
top three in its six-member conference. The program's all-time winningest
wrestler, Kyle Cerminera, was lost to graduation, and five starting jobs are
open. But depth and resiliency is on Coach Beichner's side, as his young
buckin' Bulls are gunning to surprise the likes of the entire nation of
possible doubters, as they shoot towards another successful campaign.

"I don't want people to underestimate or overlook, but perhaps maybe
it's better for them to overlook," head coach Jim Beichner said. "As good
as we were last year, this team could potentially be even better. We have
19 guys who have won individual state championships and as a result, we are
capable of doing great things."

The return of senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) gives the
Bulls the necessary experience to gain ground in the always-competitive
Mid-American Conference. Budd, who is following up one of the team's two
MAC Championships from a season ago at 133 pounds, is the only individual or
team in school history to have secured a win against both the top-ranked
Division I and top-ranked Division II opponent in a single season.

The Bulls, picked to finish fourth in the MAC Preseason Poll, will look
to turn heads and prove that they are a potent powerhouse in Division I
wrestling.

"Our goals are always to be great," Coach Beichner said. "We don't want
to be mediocre with mediocre goals. We have got a very tough group of guys
who can do some damage nationally. The guys believe in the coaching staff,
the team, and the university, and that's what is going to make us a very
solid performer."

125 POUNDS
Four Bulls will look to shine at this weight class, as the starting job
is up for grabs. A depth issue caused problems last season, but signs could
point to a positive remedy with the emergence of one of four grapplers at
the team's youngest weight class. Freshman Dan Bishop (Whitehall,
NY/Whitehall) returns to the team after having redshirted last year. A
two-time New York State Champion, Bishop has gained experience and a year of
development to compete for the starting spot.

Sophomore Sean Bauer (Walden, NY/Valley Central) is another likely
candidate due to the fact he has experience at a Division I institution
after transferring from Sacred Heart. While in high school, he completed a
36-7 record in the New York State Division I Championships after falling to
2006 NCAA finalist, Cornell's Troy Nickerson.

Freshmen Carlo Izzo (Canajoharie, NY/Canajoharie) and Corey Greene
(Bennington, VT/Mt. Anthony Union) are two notable recruits who will look to
contribute in 2007-08, as they will both redshirt their freshman campaigns.
Izzo finished fourth at the NYS Division II Championships while posting a
3-2 record at te NHSCA Senior Nationals. Greene, a three-time Vermont state
champion, is certified at 125 but was recruited to wrestle at 133. Greene
was named a top 30 high school senior at 130 pounds and was among Intermat's
top 200 recruits. The 2005 National High School Coaches Association Open
Champion will prove to be a dark horse at either 125 or 133 at some point
down the road.

133 POUNDS

Taking a step away from youth, the coaching staff believes this weight
class is most experienced bunch. Mark Budd is the lone returning MAC
Champion on the squad, after having posted an infallible 38-6 record, which
was fourth most for wins in school history. Budd held down the 11th-place
ranking according to the National Wrestling Coaches

Association/Intermat/National Wrestling Media Association Preseason Poll,
and was ranked in the top ten of three other major preseason rankings. The
lone captain is picked to repeat at MAC Champion at 133 pounds in the MAC
Preseason Poll.

"Budd is our best and most experienced guy right now," Beichner said.
"We're really lucky to have someone like that who is all work ethic and all
attitude. He's our anchor, and as our only captain, he's the guy who we
will turn to all year to make sure things are done right."

Sophomore Joe Wilson (Chester, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) supplys hard-working
morals and will look for time behind Budd. Wilson is another transfer from
Sacred Heart. Freshman Mike Aris (Barker, NY/Barker) won two Section VI
Class A titles and the 2005 New York State High School Division II
Championships, while earning mention in Wrestling USA's Best 2006 High
School Seniors. Aris will benefit greatly from redshirting this season and
learning from Budd.

141 POUNDS

Another deep class, the Bulls are thrilled about the addition of junior
Ryan Needle (Newfane, NY/Newfane), who will compete for the first time in a
Bull singlet after transferring from Ohio State in 2005. Needle is Section
VI's all-time winningest wrestler and a three-time New York State Champion.
Having sat out his sophomore year due to shoulder surgery, Needle has moved
down from 149, and will be a likely candidate to challenge for a national
title. Needle is picked to finish second in the MAC, but could surprise many
due to a hard work ethic and a winning edge that has seemed to follow him
around ever since high school.Needle will have something to prove after
not having competed since 2004-05.

"He's a high school phenom," Beichner said of Needle. "He may be the
most talented wrestler to ever be in our wrestling room and now that he's in
the wrestling room full-time and he's 100%, he's going be very hard to
beat."

Sophomore Evan Veney (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) and freshman Andrew
Stella (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) will look for time on the mat behind
Needle. Veney moved up from 125 to 141, while Stella returns from a
redshirt year ready to contribute.

Freshmen Justin Hunt (Salem, NY/Salem), Anthony Ng (Monticello,
NY/Monticello) and Vince Aris (Barker, NY/Barker) each have a solid
wrestling background and have both done an excellent job in workout sessions
and in training to earn recognition from the coaching staff. Hunt is a
transfer from Pittsburgh who redshirted in his only season there. Hunt was
a four-time NYS Class D Champion and earned himself the third-best record in
the state in his senior year (36-2). Ng broke former UB wrestler Marcu
Hutchins' high school win record, going 128-18 in that span. Aris, combined
with his twin brother Mike, are the top-two winningest grapplers in Barker
school history. Aris will look for mat time next season after redshirting
this year in a deep weight class.

149 POUNDS

Junior Dana Gingerich (Spring Grove, PA/DeLone Catholic) bumps up from
141 to 149, and could challenge immediately. Picked to finish second in the
MAC Preseason Poll, Gingerich could start right away after finishing his
sophomore campaign with 15 wins.

Senior Pat Lloyd (Middletown, NY/Valley Central) returns as the team's
most experience grappler at 149. Lloyd finished 18-17 before a shoulder
surgery took him out of the equation, which makes him a candidate to
redshirt. Senior Mike Shannon (Albany, NY/Colonie) is what the coaches call
the team's "best technician", and will make the team better, while freshman
Jason Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga) redshirted last season and will
also challenge for the starting spot.

"Hilliard has matured greatly and he's getting much closer to being
ready to compete as a starter," Beichner said.

157 POUNDS

Two-time Junior College All-American John Cummings (Bay Shore, NY/Bay
Shore) proved last season of his immense JUCO status, posting 24 wins in his
first year as a Bull. Even with the impressive win total, Cummings will
redshirt in 2006-07.

A redshirt from last season, sophomore Scott Rendos (Brockway,
PA/Brockway) will get a look at the starting spot. Rendos advanced to the
quarterfinals of the Slippery Rock Open last season and went 9-7 for the
year.

"We feel that he has matured greatly since his freshman year and think
he has a great chance in becoming someone special at 157," Beichner said.

Juniors Steven Muldrow (Cincinnati, OH/Summit Country Day) and incoming
freshman Tom Graff (LaGrangeville, NY/Arlington)in the mix at the 157
position. Muldrow has worked out throughout the summer and will contest for
a starting spot. Graff will push some of the returning veterans after
having earned All-League and All-Section honors as a senior during a 37-1
season.

"Tom looks like a wrestler," Beichner said. "You can tell that when he
walks through a door, he is a wrestler. We expect him to help this team out
somewhere down the road."

165 POUNDS

Junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) won 21 matches at the 174
starting spot last season. He emerged as a MAC threat that, this season,
garnered him a third-place ranking in the MAC Preseason Poll at 165. Ragusa
placed fourth at the Oklahoma Gold Classic and finished second at the
Slippery Rock Open. Senior Jake Blowers (Johnstown, NY/Broadalbin) is
entering his fifth year and who the coaching staff expects big things from.
Blowers is an experience grappler and will challenge at both 165 and 174.

"We have two guys who have been starters in the past at both 165 and
174," Beichner said. "We all expect them both to have great years and we
know they expect the same from themselves."

174 POUNDS

Possibly the squad's most talented position is at 174, where two
Pennsylvanians have the chance to start and possibly contend for a MAC
title. Juniors Mickey Moran (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler Area) and Nate Rock
(Ephrata, PA/Ephrata) have won 20-plus matches in their respective careers
and will possibly go head-to-head for the starting spot. Rock has the edge,
after the coaching staff have discussed interest in redshirting Moran after
his dominant 05-06 campaign.

"Moran was one of our top four performances last year who went from a
very tough freshman year to a very good sophomore year," Beichner said. "We
are going to redshirt him with the intentions of giving him a year to
increase his size and strength so that he could be a phenomenal wrestler for
us in the near future who will have his greatest two years ahead of him."

After struggling a bit in his sophomore season, Rock is talented enough
to win a MAC Championships and qualify for the NCAA Championships. He is,
what the coaching staff says, "a great competitor whose sky is the limit."

184 POUNDS

Freshman Ricky Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central) is the lone Bull at 184
pounds, and is looking to provide a strong showing following a redshirt
freshman year. Scott is tabbed to finish third in the conference, and was a
highly-touted recruit coming to Buffalo last season. He was a two-time
state champion, and was ranked third among the nation's high school seniors
by Intermat at 171 pounds.

A Bull who will see time at 184 next season is freshman Jimmy Hamel
(Natick, MA/Natick), who will redshirt the upcooming campaign. Hamel is
most likely to see time at 197, but will be a solid contributor at both
classes. Finishing second at the New England Championships, Hamel finished
his career with 146 wins and was named Bay State Conference Wrestler of the
Year in 2006.

"This is the kind of kid who has that blue-collar attitude and has a
tremendous work ethic from a family of 12," Beichner said. "He has a
non-stop personality that will make him good down the road."

197 POUNDS

The departure of Kyle Cerminera leaves this weight class with a giant
hole. Senior Ray Lamb (Mays Landing, NJ/Absegami) and freshman Jason Brown
(Cato, NY/Cato-Meridian) will look to provide that presence to make the
Bulls once again formidable at 197. Lamb has moved up from 174 and will
eliminate for a starting spot. Brown is a New York State Division II
Champion after finishing his senior campaign at 37-1. Brown is expected to
redshirt his first season.

"We usually have eliminations so that we can tell who the starters are
going to be," Beichner said After a good round of eliminations where
everyone has wrestled each other, you can see who is going to be the top guy
for the season. There are some that will shock you from time to time."

HEAVYWEIGHT

Junior Jeff Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) was forced to redshirt last
season due to a hip injury. Parker went 10-4 before being forced to sit out
and will provide a similar force this season. The absence from the mat has
allowed him to get stronger and more disciplined and will contend for a MAC
title.

"He has come a long way since he came here from Binghamton and has a lot
of potential," Beichner said of Parker. "I know his sights are set at
winning the MAC Championships and qualifying for the NCAA Championships. I
know it is he is thinking that is what he should be thinking."

Three freshmen, Jason Weber (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) and Mark
Germano (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) will look to gain experience and guidance
under Parker. Weber is the most experienced of the group, having played a
collegiate sport in football at Urbana University.

"Weber has very good potential and I believe he could be a very good
wrestler," Beichner said. "In time, he's going to surprise people."

Germano is a developmental wrestler who is both big and strong with good
work ethics. He could see time on the mat in the near future.

Schedule

The Bulls get a chance to prove themselves worthy of a coveted starting
spot at the fourth annual UB Open on November 5th, where each grappler will
tussle through eliminations and determine who the top guy will be at each
class.

"The UB Open is our first elimination," coach Beichner said. "We are
going to see who competes, who does well, who does not, and that will
determine who will travel the following week to the Oklahoma Gold Classic.
With good competition, somebody will step up and become pretty tough."

The following week is the Oklahoma Gold Classic, a meet that provides
stiff competition from the likes of perennial powerhouses, Oklahoma,
Bloomsburg, and Army. An Ivy League opponent lingers on November 15th, where
the squad will have its first dual meet against Princeton at Alumni Arena.

Two tournaments, the Mat Town USA tournament and the Las Vegas
Invitational, will again prepare the Bulls for possibly its toughest dual
meet of the year with Edinboro on December 9th. Edinboro finished eighth at
last year's NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, and squeezed out a
favorable score of 20-13 against Buffalo last year.

A stretch of dual, tri-, and quad-meets set up the team's first
Mid-American Conference showdown with Northern Illinois on January 14th at
Alumni Arena. Five days later, UB will host the New York State Collegiate
Championships, a tournament that pit 17 teams last season against each
other. Buffalo scored second in the meet held in Oswego, NY with 134.5
points.

The Bulls square off against Ohio on the 27th to end the month, only to
get set for back-to-back conference dual meets with Eastern Michigan and
Central Michigan starting on February 3rd. Central Michigan, with 102.5
points at the MAC Championships, claimed the regular season and conference
crown while placing 26th out of 64 teams in the NCAA Championships.

UB ends its regular season at Binghamton on February 17th, giving it
ample time to prepare for the MAC Championships on March 3rd. The
championships are being held this year at UB's Alumni Arena, while the NCAA
Championships will take place March 15-17 in Detroit, Michigan.

Five Bulls Take Top Honors At UB Open
Thirteen grapplers place at the season-opening non-scoring event

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling squad witnessed a second
consecutive successful UB Open Sunday afternoon, as five Bulls took
individual titles in their respective weight classes and kicking off the
2006-07 season with a bang. Thirteen in all placed at the fourth annual
open that featured 14 top-notch wrestling schools.

Senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) took his third straight
UB Open title at 133 pounds, winning a 10-3 decision over the Finger Lakes'
Mike Grey. Budd faced three others prior to his championship finish,
coasting through with a fall over Edinboro's Pat Wayne in the opening round,
only to be awarded a technical fall over Lock Haven's Erik Smith, 18-2, in
the quarterfinals. True freshman Corey Greene (Bennington, Vermont/Mt.
Anthony Union) looked as though he would face Budd in the finals, but was
bumped by Grey, 9-5. Greene rebounded to claim fourth in his first
collegiate open.

At the 141 weight class, junior Ryan Needle (Newfane, NY/Newfane) began
his highly-anticipated 2006-07 campaign with his first UB Open title.
Needle, the third-seed, defeated Bloomburg's George Hickman in a 8-4 final
decision, while downing a Mid-American Conference rival in Ohio's Kevin
Christensen by a 12-4 count.

Following a redshirt campaign a season ago, sophomore Scott Rendos
(Brockway, PA/Brockway) took home his first UB Open first-place trophy as he
dominated the 157 field. Following a 17-0 technical fall in the

quarterfinals, top-seeded Rendos took out second-seed Alex Conover of CCM
with another technical fall, 16-1. Junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro)
displayed a balance effort in taking his first open title. The junior
grappler handed Ohio's Anthony Cirany a 6-4 decision loss.

Juniors Mickey Moran (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler Area) and Nate Rock
(Ephrata, PA/ Ephrata) were seeded first and second, respectively, so there
was no surprise that they saw each other in the finals at 174. In the end,
Rock would take the title, while Moran would settle for second.

Also placing for UB was redshirt freshman Ricky Scott, who took second
in the 184 weight class; senior 197-pounder Ray Lamb (Mays Landing,
NJ/Absegami), junior heavyweight Jeff Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro), and
redshirt freshman 149-pounder Jason Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga),
who each took fourth; and junior 157-pounder Steven Muldrow (Cincinnati,
OH/Summit Country Day) and freshman 197-pounder Jimmy Hamel (Natick,
MA/Natick), who each took fifth.

The Bulls next compete at the Oklahoma Gold Classic in Brockport, NY on
Saturday, Nov. 11. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.

UB Wrestling Releases 2006-07 Schedule

The squad opens with the UB Open on November 5

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling team finalized its 2006-07
schedule Tuesday, providing the necessary components to provide a similar,
if not better, Bulls squad that produced three NCAA qualifiers a season ago.

"Our goals are always to be great," says head coach Jim Beichner. "We
have got a very tough group of guys who can do some damage nationally. As
good as we were last year, this team could potentially be ever better."

The Bulls, led by senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville), get
a chance to prove themselves worthy of a coveted starting spot at the fourth
annual UB Open on November 5th, where each grappler will tussle through
eliminations and determine who the top guy will be at each class.

"The UB Open is out first elimination," coach Beichner said. "We are
going to see who competes, who does well, who does not, and that will
determine who will travel the following week to the Oklahoma Gold Classic.
With good competition, somebody will step up and become pretty tough."

ïThe following week is the Oklahoma Gold Classic, a meet that provides
stiff competition from the likes of perennial powerhouses, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania, and Army. Another Ivy League opponent lingers on November
15th, where the squad will have its first dual meet against Princeton at
Alumni Arena.

Two tournaments, the Mat Town USA tournament and the Las Vegas
Invitational, will again prepare the Bulls for possibly its toughest dual
meet of the year with Edinboro on December 9th. Edinboro finished eighth at
last year's NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, and squeezed out a
favorable score of 20-13 against Buffalo last year.

A stretch of dual, tri-, and quad-meets set up the team's first
Mid-American Conference showdown with Northern Illinois on January 14th at
Alumni Arena. Five days later, UB will host the New York State Collegiate
Championships, a tournament that pit 17 teams last season against each
other. Buffalo scored second in the meet held in Oswego, NY with 134.5
points.

The Bulls square off against Ohio on the 27th to end the month, only to
get set for back-to-back conference dual meets with Eastern Michigan and
Central Michigan starting on February 3rd. Central Michigan, with 102.5
points at the MAC Championships, claimed the regular season and conference
crown while placing 26th out of 64 teams in the NCAA Championships.

UB ends its regular season at Binghamton on February 17th, giving it
ample time to prepare for the MAC Championships on March 3rd. The
championships are being held this year at UB' Alumni Arena.

"We are capable of doing great things," coach Beichner said. "The guys
believe in the coaching staff, the team, and the university, and that's what
is going to make us a very solid performer."