Buffalo Bulls
Encyclopedia
The Buffalo Bulls are the athletic teams representing the University at Buffalo
in intercollegiate athletics. The Bulls currently play in Division I (Division I FBS in football
), and are a member of the Mid-American Conference
for all sports except women's rowing who is in the Cononial Athletic Assocition ( CAA). They have been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1996. The Buffalo Bulls field men's and women's athletic 11 teams in sports.
The Bulls are notable for being one of the fasted growing Division I FBS athletic programs in the nation. The current head football coach is Jeff Quinn.
in the 2009 International Bowl
on January 3, 2009 at the Rogers Centre
in Toronto
, Ontario
. In that game, the Bulls would go on to lose to UConn by a score of 38-20.
Notable former players who played (or play) in the NFL include:
in 1999.
After several years of mediocrity, the Bulls had their most memorable season in their 2004-2005 campaign. 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. In the MAC final, despite leading by 17 at the half, the Bulls lost in overtime
to Ohio University
on a tip-in by Leon Williams with 0.5 seconds remaining. Thus, the Bulls failed to clinch the automatic bid to the 2005 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
, and were not selected by the selection committee on Selection Sunday, they then went to the NIT.Also, 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 then lost to Akron. The Bulls head coach in his 12th year is Reggie Witherspoon.
Notable Players for played in the NBA:
Sam Pellom with the Atlanta Hawks
and Milwaukee Bucks
. He also played for the Washington Generals
against the Harlem Globetrotters
before making it to the NBA.
, while former goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth
signed for the New England Revolution
in 2009.
Most recently, in 2010, Martin John
, a young full back, successfully passed a trial at Cardiff City
, earning him a one year contract. He made his debut in a 4 - 1 win over Burton Albion
on 11 August 2010.
, track and field
, cross country
, tennis
, wrestling
, and swimming
and diving
The UB women's tennis team has made the MAC Championship in each of the last three seasons, finally clinching the MAC Title in 2008, defeating Western Michigan, 4-3. The Bulls went to their first NCAA Tournament where they played eventual NCAA Champion, UCLA.
UB's rowing team has been its most successful over the last three years. The Bulls won the Colonial Athletic Association title in rowing in 2010. The rowing team is UB's only team that does not compete in the Mid-American Conference.
UB's women's basketball coach is Linda Hill-MacDonald, who used to coach in the WNBA with the Cleveland Rockers.
True Blue also organizes selected road trips to support the Bulls. On September 3rd, 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 4 members, and a Board of Directors of 16 members. They organize tailgate parties, road trips, events and programs, and helps promote spirit and tradition throughout the university. On September 24th, 2011, True Blue garnered the second largest student attendance record in UB's history, with 6,600 students.
Fight, Fight for Buffalo
Be proud to fight for our dear Blue and White
So, thunder through, Go Blue!
Give a cheer, never fear!
Don't stop 'til we have won!
Cheer, cheer for Buffalo
Our spirit will be with you 'till the end
So show your colors proud and true
For the glory of our dear Buffalo!
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, also commonly known as the University at Buffalo or UB, is a public research university and a "University Center" in the State University of New York system. The university was founded by Millard Fillmore in 1846. UB has multiple campuses...
in intercollegiate athletics. The Bulls currently play in Division I (Division I FBS in football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
), and are a member of the Mid-American Conference
Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college athletic conference with a membership base in the Great Lakes region that stretches from Western New York to Illinois. Nine of the twelve full member schools are in Ohio and Michigan, with single members...
for all sports except women's rowing who is in the Cononial Athletic Assocition ( CAA). They have been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1996. The Buffalo Bulls field men's and women's athletic 11 teams in sports.
The Bulls are notable for being one of the fasted growing Division I FBS athletic programs in the nation. The current head football coach is Jeff Quinn.
Football
The Buffalo Bulls football team is a relatively new member of the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, having joined in 1999. Despite its brief history and disappointing recent performances in the Football Bowl Subdivision, the Bulls football program has a rich tradition, which it is now returning to. In 2008 the Buffalo Bulls routed the previously ranked and unbeaten Ball State Cardinals 42-24, capturing their first Mid-American Conference Championship. In the game two fumbles were returned for touchdowns. The final game of the 2008-2009 campaign was against the University of ConnecticutUniversity of Connecticut
The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
in the 2009 International Bowl
2009 International Bowl
The 2009 International Bowl was a postseason college football bowl game between the Connecticut Huskies and the Buffalo Bulls at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on January 3, 2009. The game was the final contest of the 2008 NCAA Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision football...
on January 3, 2009 at the Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium, in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated next to the CN Tower, near the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League...
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
. In that game, the Bulls would go on to lose to UConn by a score of 38-20.
Notable former players who played (or play) in the NFL include:
- John StofaJohn StofaJohn Stofa son of the late John and Ann Stofa and a former American college and professional American football quarterback. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Bishop McCort High School. He attended the University at Buffalo where he played as a member of the Buffalo Bulls...
- Ed EllisEd EllisEdward Key Ellis is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the New England Patriots, the Washington Redskins, and the San Diego Chargers. He played college football at the University at Buffalo and was drafted in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL...
- Ramon GuzmanRamón GuzmanRamon L. Guzman is a Canadian football linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Buffalo.-External links:**...
- Drew HaddadDrew HaddadDrew Haddad is a former National Football League wide receiver, who played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills. He finished his career with the San Diego Chargers. He was drafted with the 25th pick of the 7th round in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills...
- Gerry PhilbinGerry PhilbinGerald John Philbin is a former American collegiate football defensive tackle and four year starter from the University at Buffalo where he earned several honors including Second- team All-American, Little All-America, and All-American Academic team...
- Jamey RichardJamey RichardJameson Tyler "Jamey" Richard is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University at Buffalo...
- Chad Upshaw
- Trevor ScottTrevor ScottTrevor John Scott is an American football defensive end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was a 6th round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
- James StarksJames StarksJames Darell Starks is an American football running back for the Green Bay Packers. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, .-High school:James attended high school in Niagara Falls, New York...
- Naaman RooseveltNaaman RooseveltNaaman Roosevelt is an American football wide receiver with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League...
- Drew WillyDrew WillyDrew Willy is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
- Mike NewtonMike NewtonMike Newton is a British businessman and racing driver. He is the founder and CEO of the AD Group of companies. He races in the Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans in cars prepared by the RML Group. Newton was named Britain's Top Entrepreneur by Management Today magazine in 2005.-Racing...
- Josh ThomasJosh ThomasJoshua Lloyd Thomas is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Syracuse....
Men's basketball
The Buffalo Bulls men's basketball team has been a member of Division I 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 ConferenceMid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college athletic conference with a membership base in the Great Lakes region that stretches from Western New York to Illinois. Nine of the twelve full member schools are in Ohio and Michigan, with single members...
in 1999.
After several years of mediocrity, the Bulls had their most memorable season in their 2004-2005 campaign. Led by senior guard Turner Battle
Turner Battle
Turner Battle is an American former basketball point guard for the University at Buffalo Bulls men's basketball team from 2001 to 2005. Battle is credited with fueling the resurgence of the Bulls men's basketball program, which went from 5-23 during his sophomore season to a 23-win senior campaign...
,( who is now Bulls assiant head coach) the Bulls went on an improbable run to the Mid-American Conference Championship, beating Western Michigan
Western Michigan Broncos men's basketball
The Western Michigan Broncos men's basketball team is the basketball team that represents Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The school's team competes in the Mid-American Conference. The team last played in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 2004...
in the semi-finals at the Gund Arena
Quicken Loans Arena
Quicken Loans Arena , is a multi-purpose arena, in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States....
in Cleveland. In the MAC final, despite leading by 17 at the half, the Bulls lost in overtime
Overtime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
to Ohio University
Ohio University
Ohio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus...
on a tip-in by Leon Williams with 0.5 seconds remaining. Thus, the Bulls failed to clinch the automatic bid to the 2005 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
2005 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 2005 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 65 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 15, 2005, and ended with the championship game on April 4 at the Edward Jones Dome in St...
, and were not selected by the selection committee on Selection Sunday, they then went to the NIT.Also, 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 then lost to Akron. The Bulls head coach in his 12th year is Reggie Witherspoon.
Notable Players for played in the NBA:
Sam Pellom with the Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
and Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
. He also played for the Washington Generals
Washington Generals
The Washington Generals are an American exhibition basketball team, best known for their spectacular losing streak in exhibition games against the Harlem Globetrotters.-History:...
against the Harlem Globetrotters
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy. The executive offices for the team are currently in downtown Phoenix, Arizona; the team is owned by Shamrock Holdings, which oversees the various investments of the Roy E. Disney family.Over...
before making it to the NBA.
Soccer
Andrae Clarke, a young standout, has trialed with the Chicago FireChicago Fire (soccer)
Chicago Fire Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club based in the Chicago suburb of Bridgeview, Illinois. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top soccer league in the United States and Canada...
, while former goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth
Bobby Shuttleworth
Bobby Shuttleworth is an American soccer player who currently plays for New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:...
signed for the New England Revolution
New England Revolution
The New England Revolution is an American professional association football club based in Foxborough, Massachusetts which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
in 2009.
Most recently, in 2010, Martin John
Martin John (footballer)
Martin Julian John is an English professional footballer who is currently a free agent.-Early life:Born in London, England, John has two brothers and one sister. At the age of 5 he moved to Italy where he lived for three years before moving to Canada...
, a young full back, successfully passed a trial at Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
, earning him a one year contract. He made his debut in a 4 - 1 win over Burton Albion
Burton Albion F.C.
Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005...
on 11 August 2010.
Other men's sports
The university places teams in several other men's sports, including: baseballBaseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, track and field
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
, cross country
Cross country running
Cross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road...
, tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
, wrestling
Wrestling
Wrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position...
, and swimming
Swimming (sport)
Swimming is a sport governed by the Fédération Internationale de Natation .-History: Competitive swimming in Europe began around 1800 BCE, mostly in the form of the freestyle. In 1873 Steve Bowyer introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native...
and diving
Diving
Diving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, sometimes while performing acrobatics. Diving is an internationally-recognized sport that is part of the Olympic Games. In addition, unstructured and non-competitive diving is a recreational pastime.Diving is one...
Women's sports
As for the women's teams, the Bulls feature teams in basketball, track and field, cross country volleyball, softball, soccer, rowing, tennis and swimming and diving.The UB women's tennis team has made the MAC Championship in each of the last three seasons, finally clinching the MAC Title in 2008, defeating Western Michigan, 4-3. The Bulls went to their first NCAA Tournament where they played eventual NCAA Champion, UCLA.
UB's rowing team has been its most successful over the last three years. The Bulls won the Colonial Athletic Association title in rowing in 2010. The rowing team is UB's only team that does not compete in the Mid-American Conference.
UB's women's basketball coach is Linda Hill-MacDonald, who used to coach in the WNBA with the Cleveland Rockers.
True Blue
As of 2007, the primary student organization who supports UB athletics is True Blue. The prominent faces of the club is 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. There are currently 10,000 members in True Blue.True Blue also organizes selected road trips to support the Bulls. On September 3rd, 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 4 members, and a Board of Directors of 16 members. They organize tailgate parties, road trips, events and programs, and helps promote spirit and tradition throughout the university. On September 24th, 2011, True Blue garnered the second largest student attendance record in UB's history, with 6,600 students.
Fight Songs
Victory MarchFight, Fight for Buffalo
Be proud to fight for our dear Blue and White
So, thunder through, Go Blue!
Give a cheer, never fear!
Don't stop 'til we have won!
Cheer, cheer for Buffalo
Our spirit will be with you 'till the end
So show your colors proud and true
For the glory of our dear Buffalo!
External links
- UBTrueBlue.com - Student Fan Organization
- UBFan.com - Unofficial UB Athletics Fan Forum