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Buffalo Bulls

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Rovership27 (talk | contribs) at 22:52, 12 November 2014 (There is no point in having a list of which other schools are in the conference. People who want to know can find that on the respective conference's page.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

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Buffalo Bulls
Logo
UniversityState University of New York at Buffalo
ConferenceMid-American Conference (MAC)
NCAADivision I
Athletic directorDaniel J. White
LocationBuffalo, NY
Football stadiumUB Stadium
Basketball arenaAlumni Arena
Baseball stadiumAmherst Audubon Field
MascotVictor E. Bull
NicknameBulls
Fight songVictory March Fight Song
ColorsBlue and White
   
Websitewww.ubbulls.com
Victor E. Bull, November 5, 2013
UB's Buffalo Bulls Mascot with UB Pep Band Member, October 1990

The Buffalo Bulls, also known as the UB Bulls, are the athletic teams representing the University at Buffalo (UB) in the State University of New York system, in intercollegiate athletics.[1] The Bulls currently play in Division I (Division I FBS of the NCAA in football),[1] and are a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for all sports except women's rowing, which is in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).[1] The Bulls have been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1998.[1][2] The Buffalo Bulls field 11 men's and women's athletic teams in sports, although only nine team sports for both men and women are identified on the official website.[1] The Bulls have had dozens of athletes turn professional in football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball.[3] The mascot of UB's athletic teams is Victor E. Bull. In 2001, Victoria S. Bull[4][5] was introduced as Victor's sister, but has not been observed for many years.

The current Director of Athletics is Danny White.

Men's sports

Men's team sports at UB include those in football, basketball, track and field, baseball, wrestling, soccer, swimming and diving, cross country, and tennis.[1]

Baseball

Main article: Buffalo Bulls baseball

Men's basketball

True Blue Student Section at a 2012 "Blackout" game
Main article: Buffalo Bulls men's basketball
See also: 2013–14 Buffalo Bulls men's basketball team

The Buffalo Bulls men's basketball team has been a member of Division I since the mid-1990s after dropping to the Division III level for the 1977–1978 season, spending time in the Mid-Continent Conference before moving to the Mid-American Conference in 1999.

After several years of mediocrity, the Bulls had their most memorable season in their 2004–2005 campaign.[6] Led by senior guard Turner Battle, (who is now Bulls assiant head coach) the Bulls went on an improbable run to the Mid-American Conference Championship, beating Western Michigan in the semi-finals at the Gund Arena in Cleveland.[6] In the MAC final, despite leading by 17 at the half, the Bulls lost in overtime to Ohio University[6] on a tip-in by Leon Williams with 0.5 seconds remaining. The Bulls failed to clinch the automatic bid to the 2005 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, and were not chosen by the selection committee on Selection Sunday. They then went to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).[6] During that season, the Bulls were led by Coach Reggie Witherspoon, and ended the season with a school record of 23 wins.[6]

In 2008, the men's basketball team that included Greg Gamble, Andy Robinson, Rondey Pierce, Calvin Betts, Mitchell Watt, Titus Robinson, John Boyer, Byron Mulkey, Brain Addison, Max Boudreau, Jawann Alston, Sean Smiley, Dave Barnett, Adekambi Laleye, and Vadim Fedotov went into the MAC Championship game, but lost to Akron. The Bulls head coach in his first year is Bobby Hurley, replacing Reggie Witherspoon.

Selected notable players

Sam Pellom has played in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. He also played for the Washington Generals, and in a game against the Harlem Globetrotters before making it to the NBA.

Men's cross country

During UB's hosting of the MAC championships in 2012, Zach Ahart took ninth place, being the men's top finisher in a field of 12 teams.[7][8] In that event, UB's men's team placed fifth, overall.[7]

At the 2013 Princeton Invitational, the men placed 13th in a field of 25 schools.[7] Ahart captured top honors in that meet, placing 12th by securing a time of 24:13.[7][8] Cameron Bruce ran the race in a time of 24:44, finishing in 39th place.[7][9] Additional UB runners also participated in the event.[7]

Football

Buffalo Bulls vs. Canisius at UB, October 1991
Main article: Buffalo Bulls football
See also: 2014 Buffalo Bulls football team

The Buffalo Bulls football team is a relatively new member of the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, having joined in 1998.[2] Despite its brief history, and disappointing recent performances in the Football Bowl Subdivision, the Bulls football program has a rich tradition, to which it has returned.

In 2003, the Bulls were 6-39 since going to Division I-A.[2] At that time, they were ranked 117, and were coached by Jim Hofher.[2] The Bulls averaged just under 11,250 fans per game in 2003.[2] On September 9, 2007, the Bulls broke a four-game losing streak by defeating Temple University with a score of 42-7.[10] The Bulls accumulated 414 offensive yards in the game.[10] Sophomore tailback Mario Henry, and the Bull's defense, were credited in the MAC win.[10] In 2008, the Buffalo Bulls routed the previously ranked and unbeaten Ball State Cardinals 42-24, capturing their first Mid-American Conference Championship.[11] In that game, two fumbles were returned for touchdowns. The final game of the 2008–2009 campaign was against the University of Connecticut in the 2009 International Bowl[12] on January 3, 2009 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. In that game, the Bulls lost[12] with a score of 38-20.

Selected notable players signed with the NFL

Men's soccer

UB Men's Track Team, 1990
UB Men's Track Team Member Performing Shot Put at NCAA Championships, Springfield, MA, 1990

Andrae Clarke, a young standout, trialed with the Chicago Fire[13] in 2007, while former goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth signed for the New England Revolution in 2009.[14] Shuttleworth is in his fifth year with the Revolution as of 2014.[14] In 2010, Martin John, a young full back, successfully passed a trial at Cardiff City, gaining a one-year contract.[15] John, a native of Ontario, Canada, made his debut there in a 4-1 win over Burton Albion on August 11, 2010.[15]

Men's swimming and diving

In 2013, the UB men's swimming and diving team was ranked third in preseason polls completed by MAC coaches.[16] The men completed the previous season, in 2013, achieving third place in the MAC Championships.[16] Senior Mike Dugan leads the men's team.[16][17] In the 2013 MAC Championships, Dugan earned two individual titles, and competed in three winning relay teams.[16][17] He then went on to compete in the first-team all-Mac squad.[16][17]

Men's tennis

"Men’s tennis coach Lee Nickell was selected MAC Coach of the Year after leading the Bulls to their first regular-season league title, and a spot in the conference championship match."[18]

Men's track and field

Men's track and field includes an outdoor and indoor season. Concluding the men's 2013–2014 indoor season, the Bulls finished fourth at the MAC championships held at Kent State University, their best-ever showing.[19] Two men were also named to Nationals at that meet.[19]

Wrestling

Main article: Buffalo Bulls wrestling

Women's sports

The Bulls' women's teams feature basketball, track and field, cross country, volleyball, softball, soccer, rowing, tennis, and swimming and diving.[1] The women's teams were formerly known as the UB Royals.

Women's basketball

Main article: Buffalo Bulls women's basketball

In 2004, the Bulls lost to three-time defending champion University of Connecticut with a score of 107-40.[20] At that time, the loss was the worst the Bulls had experienced since going to Division I status.[20] During the prior season, the Bulls' record was 6-21.[20] Coach Cheryl Dozier had a young team in 2004, with six women making their Division I debut that season.[20]

The current UB women's basketball coach is Felisha Legette-Jack.

Women's cross country

In 2012, UB hosted the MAC championships.[7] The team placed seventh out of 12 teams.[7] UB's top finisher in that event was Kara Patrick, completing the race in 21st place.[7][21]

At the Princeton Invitation, held in October 2013, the UB women's cross country team finished in fourth place with 160 points.[7] There were 25 teams represented at the event.[7] UB's top finishers were junior Chrissy Clarkin[22] and freshman Caroline Brown.[7][23] The two completed the 5K race in 22:20.[7] Additional women's cross country team members also ran in the event.[7]

Rowing

Under longtime head coach Rudy Wieler, the UB women's rowing team has become one of the best performing groups within the Buffalo Athletics Department.[24]

Because the Mid-American Conference does not include rowing as a sport, the Buffalo Bulls rowing team competes in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The Bulls won the CAA title in rowing in 2010 by one point against Northeastern,[24] and finished a close second in 2011.

UB annually hosts the Harvey Cup. The Cup is named in recognition and in memory of former Associate Athletic Director and Senior Administrator Nan Harvey, who died in September 2003 after battling cancer for more than three years. The Cup was held by Eastern Michigan University, the only other MAC institution that supports rowing, from its inception until 2006 when the Bulls first claimed the Cup. Buffalo won the Harvey Cup in 2006 and 2007.[25] In 2008, Buffalo hosted the Harvey Cup.[25]

Women's soccer

The UB women's soccer team won a regular season MAC title in 2000.[26]

Softball

Main article: Buffalo Bulls softball

Women's swimming and diving

In 2013, the UB women's swimming and diving team was ranked fourth in preseason polls completed by MAC coaches.[16] At the 2013 MAC Championships, the team finished in fifth place.[16] Brittney Kuras and Mallory Morrell led the team.[16][27] Kuras was named Outstanding Swimmer of the MAC during the past two seasons.[16][27] She won three individual titles while also maintaining top league status in each race, including the 100- and 200-yard freestyles, and the 200-yard individual medley.[16][27] She also swam on the team's winning 200-, 400-, and 800-yard freestyle relay teams.[16][27]

Morrell was the first UB women's swimmer to earn Honorable Mention in the NCAA when she completed the 50-yard freestyle in 22.46, finishing 13th.[16] She earned this honor at the national meet, held in Indianapolis.[16] Morrell set league and school records of 22.24 by grabbing the MAC title in the 50-yard freestyle.[16] She swam on UB's winning 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams; and she also swam a season best time of 49.47 in the 100-yard freestyle by finishing second.[16] Morrell raced to 50.17 in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing 59th at the NCAA Championships.[16]

Women's tennis

UB Women's Track Team, 1990
UB Women's Track Team Members (at Rear) Running in NCAA Championships, Springfield, MA, 1990

The UB women's tennis team reached the MAC Championship from 2005 to 2008, losing to Western Michigan during the first two efforts.[26] In 2008, the Bulls secured their first MAC title, defeating Western Michigan, 4-3.[26][28] The Bulls then went on to their first NCAA Tournament,[26][28] where they played the eventual NCAA Champion, UCLA. That year, Bulls tennis player Smaranda Stan - a native of Romania - was named the MAC tournament's most valuable player (MVP);[26][28] and Stan and Denise Harijanto represented UB in the All-Tournament team.[28]

Women's track and field

Women's track and field includes an outdoor and an indoor season. Some women participate in both indoor and outdoor track and field. Finishing the 2013–2014 indoor season, the Bulls earned fourth place at the MAC championships held at Kent State University.[19] The UB women's 4 x 400 team, consisting of Donna Jeanty, Asia Henry, Crystal Graham, and Camaria Long, won first place at the championships.[19] They broke a school, MAC, and facility record with their run of 3:39.70, the fastest MAC time during that season.[19] Henry also set both a school and MAC record in the 800 meter run, racing in 2:06.68.[19] Henry was named Outstanding female track performer for her performances in both the 4 x 400 relay and the 800 meters.[19] Long ran a personal best time in the 200 meter dash, gaining a school record with 24.09 seconds, as well as the first MAC crown in her track career.[19]

Volleyball

Main article: Buffalo Bulls women's volleyball

In 2010, the UB women's volleyball team opened their season with a 3-0 win against Youngstown State University at the West Virginia University Mountaineer Classic.[29] In that win, the Lady Bulls won three straight sets with scores of 26-24, 25-20, and 25-16 after a slow start in the first set.[29] Several UB players in the game scored more than 7 kills each, with Kristin Bignell making 9 kills.[29]

Selected notable players

A UB Bull in women's volleyball who turned professional is Lizaiha Garcia (2007) for Puerto Rico.[3]

Co-ed cheerleading

Buffalo Bulls Football Cheerleaders at UB, October 1991

Cheerleading at UB now includes a co-ed cheerleading team for men's football and basketball.[30][31] The squad originally included women only. In the past 20 years, the cheerleading team has placed in the top ten, nationally, on at least seven occasions, including being named the national champion in 1994 and runner-up in 1995.[31]

2013 Chancellor's Scholar Athletic Award recipients

The following student athletes at UB received the 2013 Chancellor's Scholar Athletic Award:

  • Matt Hogan, Men's Swimming and Diving[32]
  • Brittney Kuras, Women's Swimming and Diving[32]
  • Alex Neutz, Football[32]
  • Austin Price, Men's Track and Field[32]
  • Tanvi Shah, Women's Tennis[32]
  • Shante’ White, Women's Track and Field[32]

These athletes maintain a high grade point average (GPA) while also participating in their sport.

True Blue

True Blue logo

As of 2007, the official student organization that supports Buffalo athletics is True Blue.[33] The prominent faces of the organization include a group of at least ten students who paint themselves to spell out, "GO BULLS" for every home football game, and selected basketball games for both men and women. With more than 6,000 members, True Blue is the largest organization on campus.

True Blue also organizes selected road trips to support the Bulls. On September 3, 2011, True Blue took three buses full of students to Pittsburgh, PA for the season opening game against the University of Pittsburgh.

True Blue is run by an executive board of four members, and a Board of Directors of 10 members. They organize tailgate parties, road trips, events, and programs; and they help promote sports spirit and tradition throughout the university. The organization hopes to become "the most feared student section in the MAC [Mid-American Conference]."[34] True Blue has been featured on major television networks such as ESPN, CBS, and NBC.[35]

Marching and pep bands

UB Pep Band with Conductor Norm Alexander at UB Homecoming Football Game, October 1991, 10 Year Anniversary

The Thunder of the East is the student marching band.[31]

UB also maintains a student pep band,[31] known as the Blue Noise Pep Band.

Fight songs of the bands include "Victory March," "Go for a Touchdown," and "Buffalo Fight Song."[36]

Block B Letter Winners Association

Bill Greiner Speaking to Students at UB Homecoming Football Game vs. Hofstra, October 1992

The mission of the Block B Letter Winners Association at UB is to connect former student-athletes and sustain UB's athletic tradition.[37] The Association is open to all former UB student-athletes, coaches, managers, trainers, and cheerleaders who have participated and/or served in athletics for at least one year.[37] As of 2014, there is a membership fee of $75 that is required to join the Association;[37] and many benefits of membership are offered.[37]

Athletics Hall of Fame

The UB Athletics Hall of Fame is sponsored by the UB Alumni Association.[38] One member of the Hall of Fame is UB's late president, Bill Greiner,[39][40] who brought the university back to Division I status.[40]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g State University of New York: Buffalo, University at Buffalo Athletics, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffal Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e College football preview: Poller opposites; Everybody in Buffalo is ready for annual running of the Bulls, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles Times, 24 August 2003, Dufresne, C., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  3. ^ a b Bulls in the pros, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  4. ^ Victor E. Bull competes for title of 'Mascot of the Year', UB Reporter, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo, 5 December 2002, Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  5. ^ University archives: A look at women and sport at UB, 1963-2003, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Libraries, 2014, Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  6. ^ a b c d e Bulls must wake up from their dream; UB will be pressed to replace graduates. This is the second in a series of stories previewing the college basketball season. Today's installment deals with the University at Buffalo. Series: College basketball preview, Buffalo News, Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 12 November 2005, McKissic, R., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n UB cross country weekly release: Women take home 4th at Princeton Invitational; Men come in 13th, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 21 October 2013, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  8. ^ a b Cross country: Zach Ahart: Bio, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  9. ^ Cross country: Cameron Bruce: Bio, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  10. ^ a b c Bulls go on stampede: UB 42, Temple 7: Buffalo rolls up 414 yards of offense in MAC triumph, McClatchy - Tribune Business News, Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 9 September 2007, McKissic, R., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  11. ^ This day in Buffalo sports history, December 5, 2008, that championship year, Buffalo News, Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 5 December 2010, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  12. ^ a b Coach trying to get Buffalo fired up for UConn, McClatchy - Tribune Business News, Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 28 September 2012, Doyle, P., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  13. ^ Buffalo Bulls: News archieve: Men's soccer: Andrae Clarke invited to work out for Chicago Fire: Former Bull soccer standout to train with MLS team in Bradenton, FL, Buffalo Bulls, Buffalo, NY: State University of New York at Buffalo Athletics, 2 February 2007, Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  14. ^ a b Revolution re-signs goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth: Revs extend fifth-year keeper with new contract, Revolutionsoccer.net, Foxborough, MA: MLS Network, 11 April 2014, Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  15. ^ a b Buffalo Bulls: News archive: Men's soccer: Former Bull Martin John signs with Cardiff City: John was in the starting lineup for his first match with the Bluebirds, State University of New York at Buffalo Athletics, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 11 August 2010, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Swimming & diving: UB swimming and diving ranked high in preseason MAC polls, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 11 October 2013, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  17. ^ a b c Swimming & diving: Mike Dugan: Bio, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  18. ^ Undergraduate admissions: Go Bulls!, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h Buffalo competes in MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, SB Nation: Bull Run, Vox Media, Inc., 5 March 2014, Riordan, T., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  20. ^ a b c d UB is no match for UConn; Defending champs start another banner year by trouncing young bulls, Buffalo News, Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 20 November 2004, Harrington, M., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  21. ^ Cross country: Kara Patrick: Bio, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  22. ^ Cross country: Chrissy Clarkin: Bio, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  23. ^ Cross country: Caroline Brown: Bio, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  24. ^ a b Campus watch: UB rowing leaps ahead with title, McClatchy - Tribune Business News, Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 5 May 2010, Moritz, A., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  25. ^ a b Rowing wins second straight Harvey Cup, The Spectrum, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo, 23 April 2007, Collins, J., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  26. ^ a b c d e Women's tennis: UB going to first NCAA tournament, The Journal Register, Medina, NY: The Journal Register, 28 April 2008, Bronstein, J., Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  27. ^ a b c d Swimming & diving: Brittney Kuras: Bio, State University of New York: Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 2014, Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  28. ^ a b c d Buffalo captures MAC women's tennis championships, MAC, Mid-American Conference, 27 April 2008, University at Buffalo Athletic Media Relations, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  29. ^ a b c Volleyball sweeps season opener against Youngstown State, 3-0: Kristin Bignell leads a balanced offense with nine kills, Buffalo Bulls: News archive: Volleyball, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo Athletics, 28 August 2010, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  30. ^ University at Buffalo Cheerleading, Facebook, Menlo Park, CA: Facebook, 2014, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  31. ^ a b c d University at Buffalo Cheerleading: About, Facebook, Menlo Park, CA: Facebook, 2014, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  32. ^ a b c d e f Chancellor's Scholar Athletic Award recipients for 2013, SUNY: The State University of New York, Albany, NY: State University of New York, 2013, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  33. ^ UB True Blue, UB True Blue, New York, NY: Joomla!/Open Source Matters, Inc., 2014, Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  34. ^ Guide to residence hall living 2012-2013, enconv.org, June 2013, Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  35. ^ True Blue MACC (on ESPN) (video), YouTube.com, 7 December 2008, Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  36. ^ University at Buffalo marching band (2011). "About us: Traditions." Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo.
  37. ^ a b c d Block B Letter Winners Association, Blue and White Fund, Buffalo, NY: Blue and White Fund/University at Buffalo, 2014, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  38. ^ UB Athletics Hall of Fame, University at Buffalo Alumni Association, Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo, 2014, Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  39. ^ UB Alumni Association: William R. Greiner, UB - University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2013, Accessdate=8 December 2013.
  40. ^ a b 99 for 99: #28: Steven Sample and William Greiner push UB to Division I, SB Nation: Bull Run, Vox Media, Inc., 22 November 2012, Mostiller, C., Retrieved 10 December 2013.

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