UB Mourns Passing of Legendary Wrestling Coach Ed Michael
2/1/2026 12:43:00 PM | General, Wrestling
BUFFALO, NY – Ed Michael, the winningest coach in University at Buffalo wrestling history, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. Michael spent 21 seasons as the Bulls head coach and after leaving his mark on the wrestling program, went on to serve the UB Division of Athletics for 18 years as an administrator and the Director of Recreation and Intramurals.
As head coach from 1970-91, Michael guided the Bulls to a program-record 215 dual wins, highlighted by winning the 1978 Division III National Championship. He led UB to the New York State Collegiate Wrestling Championship seven times, as well as reaching top 20 NCAA rankings an impressive 13 occasions.
Michael coached 39 All-Americans, 27 New York Collegiate Individual Champions and 96 Tournament Champions. Eight of his wrestlers have been inducted into the Dr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Gecewicz UB Athletics Hall of Fame.
A member of seven halls of fame, Michael, was an associate professor at UB and taught physical education classes for 21 years. He authored several sports journal publications and co-authored a wrestling book.
In 1995, Michael and the 1978 national championship team were inducted into the UB Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted again in 1997 as an individual.
In 2011, UB honored him by naming their newly renovated wrestling facility the Ed Michael Wrestling Complex.
In 2016, he was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
Michael's commitment and influence as a coach, teacher and mentor were far-reaching and will be felt for generations to come.
Click here for funeral information.
As head coach from 1970-91, Michael guided the Bulls to a program-record 215 dual wins, highlighted by winning the 1978 Division III National Championship. He led UB to the New York State Collegiate Wrestling Championship seven times, as well as reaching top 20 NCAA rankings an impressive 13 occasions.
Michael coached 39 All-Americans, 27 New York Collegiate Individual Champions and 96 Tournament Champions. Eight of his wrestlers have been inducted into the Dr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Gecewicz UB Athletics Hall of Fame.
A member of seven halls of fame, Michael, was an associate professor at UB and taught physical education classes for 21 years. He authored several sports journal publications and co-authored a wrestling book.
In 1995, Michael and the 1978 national championship team were inducted into the UB Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted again in 1997 as an individual.
In 2011, UB honored him by naming their newly renovated wrestling facility the Ed Michael Wrestling Complex.
In 2016, he was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
Michael's commitment and influence as a coach, teacher and mentor were far-reaching and will be felt for generations to come.
Click here for funeral information.
UB Swimming & Diving v Miami OH Senior Day
Sunday, February 01
UB Diving vs Miami (OH)
Sunday, February 01
Post Game Press Conference vs Ohio
Saturday, January 31
UB Women's Basketball Postgame Presser vs. Eastern Michigan
Thursday, January 29
