Track and Field Signs 11 for 2018-19 Season
4/13/2018 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo track and field head coach Vicki Mitchell has announced the addition of 11 student-athletes for the upcoming 2018-2019 track and field season. Antoinette Butts-Miller, Riley Jones, Katriel Perrier, Kelsey Shapiro, Travasia Singletary, Christina Wende, Ryan Buzby, Joshua McCleary, Joe Williams, Mark Przybocki and Anthony Ray, Jr. will be joining the Bulls in the fall of 2018.
"We are excited to announce our spring signing class for track & field/cross country," Mitchell said. "We have several high-level horizontal jumpers and sprinters, as well as top ranked distance runners, and throwers. We are very excited to bring this class into the University at Buffalo as we continue to rise in the Mid-American Conference and in the NCAA. The quality of the student-athletes is excellent, and shows that Buffalo is continue to make its mark in the NCAA."
Butts-Miller hails from William Floyd High School in Shirley, NY. She brings with her extensive experience in the high jump, long jump and sprinting events. Her versatility in the events will allow her to contribute to the team in several areas. Butts-Miller intends to be a sociology major.
"Antoinette has great potential for development in her career at UB," Mitchell said. "With her determination and drive, she is going to make a big mark in UB history.
Jones is a strong cross country runner from Holland High School in Holland NY. She won the Senior Race at the Foot Locker Northeast Regional Meet. Jones is a multi-time State Championship qualifier in both track and cross country. A high honor roll student, Jones intends to major is biology.
"Riley will have a great career at Buffalo as she continues to develop," Mitchell said. "She brings in a strong sense of commitment and a great personality that will help the women's distance squad continue to excel."
Perrier comes to Buffalo from Preparatory Academy for Writers: A College Board School in Cambria Heights, NY. She is a multiple time State Championships Qualifier. Perrier will pursue a degree in civil engineering.
"Katriel has taken off in her performances in the sprints and is only beginning to scratch the surface of her potential," Mitchell said. "Coach Williams is excited to work with Katriel and have her develop into one of UB's finest sprinters."
Shapiro hails from Coram NY where she exceled in the jumps, sprints and hurdles at Longwood High School. A high honor roll student every semester, Shapiro will be starting as an undecided major but has interested in Speech Pathology.
"Kelsey will be molded into a great combined events athlete," Mitchell said. "Her background in the high jump, horizontal jumps, sprints, and hurdles has made a great foundation for her development into the Pentathlon and Heptathlon."
Singletary is a Rochester, NY native who went to St. Aquinas Institute. She is a multiple time State Championships qualifier whose strengths include horizontal jumps and sprints. Singletary is interested in pursuing a degree in exercise science.
"Travasia has the focus and commitment to accomplish great things at Buffalo," Mitchell said. "A graduate of the same school as Coach Bell and school-record holder Jamiee McCleary, Bell is excited to work with Travasia's raw talent."
Wende is a local product from Kenmore West High School. She dominated the Western New York area in the horizontal jumps in the last year. A consistent 38 and higher triple jumper has garnered her Section VI titles and second place at the NYS Championships in the triple jump. She is also a strong hurdler and will be able to contribute to the Bulls in several events. Wende will be pursuing a degree in physical therapy.
"Under coach Bell, Christina is sure to develop into one of the best jumpers in the MAC," Mitchell said.
Buzby is also a local product from Grand Island High School. He was a top-5 finisher at the New York State Cross Country Championships and finished ninth at the Federation Meet. Buzby was also an all-section swimmer at Grand Island.
"Coach Witzleben is excited to work with Ryan year round with a training program that will bring him to an even higher level," Mitchell said. "As the distance men continue to rebuild, Ryan will be a significant contributor to the teams' success."
McCleary comes to Buffalo from Greece Olympia High School in Rochester, NY. McCleary is one of the top long jumpers in the state of New York. His 24'2.5" jump this past indoor season turned many heads. McCleary will major in electrical engineering.
"Josh is a hardworking and focused young man," Mitchell said. "Coach Bell is excited to work with Josh, knowing he will not only be a strong contender in the MAC, but will bring national recognition to the program."
Williams is from Cicero North Syracuse in North Syracuse NY. He was the bronze medalist in the 55 high hurdles at the New York State Championships. Williams also has experience in the horizontal jumps. He is interested in pursuing communications.
"Joe's athleticism and height will help him transition extremely well to the 42" height of the collegiate hurdles" Mitchell said.
"Joe is a very charismatic young man and stellar athlete," assistant coach Joe Charone Williams said. "I believe he will take our program to new heights and help us continue on the path of the men becoming a national powerhouse."
Przybocki is a native of Middletown, NY where he goes to John S. Burke Catholic High School. He has developed into one of the top throwers in New York State, including a second place finish at the Indoor State Championships.
"Coach Garnham has seen the progression of Marks' throws, and knows he will be contributing to the UB Bulls dominance in the men's throws within the MAC and Northeast Region," Mitchell said.
Ray is a thrower from Batavia High School in Batavia, NY. A versatile athlete, Ray started for the Batavia football team and was also recruited to play on the gridiron.
"Anthony is an outstanding shot put and weight thrower that has even more potential for growth under Coach Garnham's program," Mitchell said. "Anthony has been a starter in football at his high school and was recruited for football. Ultimately, he knew his love for throwing and opportunities to join the top throws program in the northeast was the right choice for his future."
