Wrestling Facility Renovations Completed With Dedication
11/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Check out the Photo Gallery from the Day's Events Here
BUFFALO, NY - Through his 21 seasons as the head coach for the University at Buffalo wrestling team, Ed Michael built a legacy and forever left his mark on the wrestling program. On Nov. 5, that legacy was commemorated, as the Ed Michael Wrestling Complex was officially unveiled.
In his time as head coach, Michael guided the Bulls to victory in 215 dual meets, coached numerous individual tournament champions and All-Americans, and led his team to the 1977-78 NCAA Division III national championship. After Michael left his mark on the wrestling program, he went on to serve the UB Division of Athletics for eighteen years as an administrator and the Director of Recreation and Intramurals.
A member of six halls of fame, Michael, an associate professor, taught physical education classes for 21 years, authored several sports journal publications and co-authored a wrestling book.
In 1995, Michael and the 1977-78 national championship team were inducted into the University at Buffalo Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted again in 1997 as an individual. His commitment and influence as a coach, teacher and mentor are far-reaching and will be felt for generations to come.
The event marked the official unveiling of the wrestling room's $350,000 renovation project. The team practice area has been enhanced with natural light through the addition of windows along the facade to go along with new wrestling mats. Another major upgrade is the addition of an on-site fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art athletic machines used for training and rehabilitation, allowing the coaching and training staff to improve the fitness and well-being of the student-athletes.
Honored with naming acknowledgements at the Saturday commemoration were those who supported the program's extensive facility renovations. Edward and Candice Tyrrell, William and Diane Hein, and Advantage Sport & Fitness Inc., were honored for their contributions and honorary naming acknowledgements were given to former wrestler Ronald J. Barringer, UB Hall of Fame wrestler Marcus Hutchins and former UB wrestler Jeff Parker.
The new student-athlete lounge, named after former wrestler Jeff Parker, allows the wrestlers the ability to study and socialize with their teammates while honoring a former team captain and inspirational leader.
Ed Michael by the Numbers
21: Seasons as Head Coach
215: Dual meet wins
27: New York State Collegiate Individual Champions
96: Tournament Champions
39: All-American wrestlers
8: Wrestlers in the UB Athletics Hall of Fame
13: Times the team finished top 20 at the NCAA Division II and III National Championship
