Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Football Sports Medicine Services
- Email:
- Phone:
- 716-645-8792
Andrew Bliz transitioned to his current role of Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Football Sports Medicine services in 2025. Bliz has been with UB Athletics since 2013. Working primarily with the men’s basketball program until 2021. Bliz was a part of all four MAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in school history as well as the school record 32 wins in 2018-19.
While working with the basketball team, Bliz was instrumental in developing a sports science base for preparation and care of the men’s basketball team. Bliz utilized biometric measurements of the team’s heart rates during practices and games to create a training load score. This score allows for monitoring of the athletes for increased risk of injury and illness. This information, combined with sleep monitoring and education, allows Bliz to practice a ‘proactive instead of reactive’ approach to sports medicine.
Prior to coming to UB, Bliz completed a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Western Michigan University (2010) followed immediately by a Master’s of Science Degree in Sport Management from Eastern Michigan University (2012). After completion of his graduate degree, he obtained an athletic training internship at Michigan State University.  While in graduate school and completing his post-grad internship, he worked directly with EMU and MSU’s football teams. Bliz has been an approved clinical instructor and preceptor working with athletic training students during his tenures at EMU, MSU, and the University at Buffalo. Â
Bliz holds certifications from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (2010), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Corrective Exercise Specialist (2018) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (2020). Bliz is a member of the NATA, NASM, and the College Athletic Trainers Society.
Bliz resides in Buffalo with his wife, Melanie, who is also the Learning Specialist and Academic Advisor for the athletic department. They are proud parents to their sons, Carter and Parker.
To read more about Bliz's philosophy on athletic training and how he cares for his team click the following link Athletic Trainer Spotlight | Andy Bliz of University at Buffalo
Listen to how Bliz uses Firstbeat Technologies and Training Load Monitoring to keep his team healthy and on the court The Role of the Modern Athletic Trainer with Andy Bliz
