Bulls are Advocates for Mental Health Awareness

If you’re an athlete, you’re likely familiar with the mental toughness associated with sports. You begin to feel the burn in your legs, arms, lungs, but there is no giving up mid-workout. “Tough it out,” or “suck it up” are common phrases among coaches, and you begin to repeat it to yourself. When things get tough, you don’t show it, you power through because that’s what you’ve been conditioned to do for so long. Persistence and resolve are wonderful qualities to possess. However, sometimes as athletes we live inside our own minds. We don’t bow to the pain during training, we don’t tell our coach that we’ve done as much as we can handle. So when our mental health begins to suffer, it may not seem okay to share with anyone the pain we are feeling.Whether troubled by body image, relationships, peer pressure, anxiety, depression, or anything else, it’s okay to not be okay! You’re not alone, and UB has phenomenal support for you.

UB’s resources for mental health counseling are excellent. Here at UB, we have a great Counseling Center for the entire student body. They do a health assessment just like in a doctor’s office, then they pair you with the counselor that they think is the best match. Some athletes are nervous to utilize this tool, feeling much safer closer to Alumni Arena. For them, we have the incredible Kellie Pieper, a Sports Psychologist who can help work out a plan for managing stress in any realm of the student-athlete’s life. People who can effectively manage stress tend to be the most successful, so learning these skills from KP is indescribably useful for present and future endeavors.

For those who would feel more peace of mind being a few pounds lighter, UB provides a Wellness Service office that has healthy snack recipes, stress management tips, and a whole treasure trove more of useful information and services. Also available on campus are nutritionists who can assess an athlete’s current body composition and collaborate on a plan to reach a healthy weight goal with the athlete.

While the added pressures of more commitments can increase stress levels, responsibility and leadership can also help us stay healthy mentally. The SAAC E-Board weighed in on how their positions and involvement help their mental health. President Liz Scott shared that the meaningful work she does in her role has helped to keep her mind off of more stressful parts of life. The friendship and teamwork provides her with a stable support system. For myself, being the SAAC Vice President has taught me that it is a strength, as opposed to a weakness, to reach out for help when it is needed. Being in a more individual sport of track, I am used to the mindset of me versus the watch, or me versus everybody else. As VP, it is essential to trust others and ask them for help when there is too much work for myself to handle alone. Realizing that I have so many people willing to graciously encourage me and lend a hand whenever I need it eases daily stresses immensely. The AFA and Community service aspects of SAAC create unity and a sense of belonging, as well as the very cliche yet accurate assessment that helping others improves mood and self esteem.

Some of the most important things to remember are that whatever you are feeling, you are not alone in those feelings, and that there are plenty of people who are more than happy to help you work through those emotions and challenges. Athletes are tough, they are fighters. Together, we can fight mental illness and treat those who contract it.

Bulls in the NCAA Tournament

March tends to be a time of year when fans from all over turn their attention to the NCAA National Stage. Every team of Bulls has had their eye on that NCAA bid the entire year; many upperclassmen have had their focus fixed on it for much longer. The satisfaction that comes with an NCAA bid is incredible. To reach that level of elite, individuals and teams give countless hours in and out of practice. They must keep their head clear and remain positive despite crazy setbacks or horrible workouts. If they fall short (as any great athlete has at some point), they have to shake it off and give more the next time. Everything must be scrutinized - sleep schedule, eating habits, effort given at practice, recovery. At the collegiate level, there is the added challenge of putting forth massive amounts of effort in classes to maintain superior grades. Despite this, every team this year thus far has had a legitimate shot at winning the MAC Title, and several individuals and teams had bigger fish to fry.

In what has been attributed to incredible teamwork and unity, the Women's Soccer Team blew away their competition this past season. They stepped up majorly from last year, motivating each other to stay focused and put in the work required to be one of the top teams in the nation. Through their determination and dedication, they were able to claim the title of MAC Champions, the first team to do so this year. This win earned them their first trip to NCAA's in school history, where they battled through chilly temperatures, although they ultimately lost to the Nittany Lions. Regardless, being on a stage like that is extremely impressive, and gets The State University of New York at Buffalo lots of national attention.

On the individual side of things, Mike Morgan and Jon Jones of UB's Men's Track and Field Team dominated at the Indoor Track and Field NCAA Championships earlier this month. Jones and Morgan are both All-Americans, and this was the third straight indoor appearance for Jon and the second straight for Mike. Jones competed in the Shot Put while Morgan tackled the Heptathlon. They are not new to the elite circle, but their performances this year were stunning. Both athletes finished third in the NCAA, and in the process both shattered their own school records as well as the MAC records. Their combined points put UB Men's Track and Field in 15th place at the conclusion of NCAA competition. This is the highest finish in program history at Nationals for UB.

At about the same time that Track and Field was making history at NCAA's, Men's Basketball won their first MAC Championship title and earned a bid to the NCAA March Madness Tournament, the first time in program history. Although they were eliminated in the first round, it is a milestone and a promise of what is to come in the near future.

Within the MAC, every athletic program at The State University of New York at Buffalo is more competitive than ever. More MAC Championship rings are being placed on the hands of UB athletes, and on the national stage, there is a noticeable presence of our blue and white. Be sure to look around at the successful athletes we have walking through Alumni Arena every day, and let them inspire you and your team to be the next MAC Champions and the newest NCAA competitors. Go Bulls!

To hear more about all of our incredible athletes here, "Like" Bulls Pride on Facebook, and please "Follow" @UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter!

Men's Tennis Travels Towards Championship Titles

All of the University at Buffalo's sports teams have been extremely successful this year. Men's Basketball won the MAC East this past weekend in front of a sell-out crowd. However, many of our teams are earning quieter victories with hopes of "making some noise in the NCAA tournament" in a short time. UB's Men's Tennis team may have a smaller roster of just ten men, but each one is chock full of talent and fired up to win. They have played 3 ranked opponents in Dartmouth, UFC, and Princeton, giving each a true test.The men reported that the match against Princeton has proved the most excited. In the NCAA, the top 75 teams are ranked, and Princeton was sitting in the 23rd spot. In a match that went back and forth, in and out of UB's favor, they found themselves down 3-1. They had to win all 3 of the remaining matches to win overall. They won the first two, and it came down to the very last match. Although they were edged out and lost 4-3, their spectacular level of play against one of the nation's top teams makes them believe that they truly have a shot at winning the MAC Tournament and advancing well into the NCAA Tournament. From the beginning of this season, UB's Men have been the MAC favorite, and as the season winds down this holds true. 

Tennis is a sport that is not often fully understood by those who have not often been exposed to it. For example, we may see professional tennis on TV and believe that college matches also demand spectators to be quiet. Apparently, though, "the louder the better" at our Men's Tennis matches. These extremely competitive men are sure to get you on your feet at matches, too. Although their facility is not on campus, it is worth the short drive to watch them compete in both singles and doubles. We've had members of the team as MAC Singles Player of the Week several times, and they are, again, front-runners in the MAC Tournament. With all of this success, they still manage a stellar GPA, although they admit that time management is one of the hardest aspects of their lives as student-athletes. For most matches, they have to drive about 6-9 hours one way, totaling weekend travel times of about 12-18 hours. Also, they have to commute daily to reach their tennis practice facilities, which eats up a large portion of their day. Regardless, these men love what they do and you can see their passion in their play. They excel as a sports program, and encourage everyone and anyone to come support them on their road to becoming  MAC Champions as they compete at home for their final time this season on April 17th and April 19th. Make the drive (as they so frequently do); they'll make it worth your while!

To hear about the Men's Tennis Team's fantastic season, and to hear about our other State University of New York at Buffalo sports teams, "Like" the Bulls Pride page on Facebook and be sure to "Follow" @UB_BullsPride on Twitter and Instagram! 

Athletes for Athletes Makes the World Go Round

Here at The State University of New York at Buffalo, we try to develop well-rounded student-athletes. We have a Student Athlete Advisory Committee that helps to teach and develop leadership through community service, academic achievements, athletic achievements, and AFA’s. The last one, AFA’s, stands for Athlete For Athlete events. Every sports team here is composed of extremely hard-working, ambitious athletes who deserve to be recognized and cheered for by their peers. In order to encourage a united, supportive athletics department, we choose one athletic contest per team in which we give the teams not competing that day “points” for attending, making posters and visual displays, and cheering like crazy. When our student-athletes attend these events, they often discover that a sport they hadn’t given much thought to before is actually extremely exciting! We have an AFA this Friday at 7 p.m., one that seems to draw one of our biggest AFA crowds each year. This weekend, we get to watch Men’s Basketball take on Bowling Green in their last game of the regular season.

If people haven’t seen these men compete all season, they have truly been missing out. Many of the team members have been gaining plenty of press, with Shannon Evans being recognized as MAC East Player of the Week multiple times, and Justin Moss being one of only 16 Division One athletes named as a candidate for the first-ever Karl Malone Award, presented to the top power forward in the nation. Moss also made Lou Henson’s Mid-Season Watch list due to his continuously outstanding performances this season. The whole team has proven strong against teams like Kentucky and Wisconsin, and thrive in the high pressure games. A big crowd, then, on Friday will contribute to a Bulls dominant game.

Friday, this stellar group of men rock Alumni Arena just one more time for this regular season. As all of their games have, this one is guaranteed to bring fans to their feet through UB’s electrifying style of play. This AFA is a great one, because it is high energy and an easy sport for which to cheer. We hope to see lots of student athletes, students, and fans at Alumni Arena at 7 p.m. to cheer our men on to victory!

For more information about our Men’s Basketball Team and all of our other sports programs at UB, “Like” the Bulls Pride page on Facebook, and “Follow” @UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter!

Championship Season!

As winter sports are nearing an end (although our winter weather seems infinite), championship season is upon us again. This is a time of quiet anticipation, of mounting excitement mingled with nervous energy. This weekend, three teams will give their all in the MAC Championships. The Women's Track and Field Team, the Women's Swimming and Diving Team, and the Men's Track and Field Team compete for those prized MAC medals. The following weekend, the Men's Swimming and Diving Team gets their chance to shine in the Championship Meet. These four teams are fairly unique in the way their championship competitions are set up. Each individual competes to be the top competitor in their event, but the success of the individual leads to the success of the team. Similarly, the support, confidence, and encouragement of the team is essential for the individual success of team members. There are all-out sprint races and long distance races that require crazy endurance. Additionally, track has field events and throws that require strength and skills that have taken years of precise development and dedication to get them to this elite level. The divers of the Swimming and Diving Teams spend hours outside of practice conditioning, then spend even more time on the boards throwing themselves gracefully, fearlessly into the water. This is the culmination of months and years of dedication and discipline. In these sports, incredible physical fitness is essential; however, many people underestimate the mental strength which is required to be successful in these sports. The impact of cheering crowds, well-wishers words of encouragement, and team spirit can play a huge role. I am certain that these teams will return with countless MAC medalists and champions, and convinced that these teams have an excellent shot at bringing home MAC Champion Team titles. I hope you're as excited as I am to hear about the culmination of the hard-work of these athletes. Let's go, Bulls!

To hear all about the champions that emerge over the next few weekends, "Follow" @UB_BullsPride on Twitter and Instagram and "Like" the Bulls Pride page on Facebook! Thank you all for your continued support of our athletic teams!

Celebrating Women in Sports

This Wednesday, The State University of New York at Buffalo will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day for the 25th year. Because of this, we turn our attention this week towards the progress made by females in sports and the change that is still to come. As a Division One female athlete, I believe this day is a cause for celebration and planning for continued progress. Title IX has allowed females so much more freedom in the athletic world, but like any major systemic change, it has not elevated us to a level equal to that of our male counterparts. Despite Title IX being passed into law in June of 1972, some major changes in the athletic community have only been enacted in recent years.

In honor of our progress, and in order to ensure we continue to move in the proper direction, I did some research on statistics comparing several aspects of female and male athletics. One winning statistic for female athletes is that the gap in scholarships received by males and females is closing. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation website, collegiate women receive 45% of athletic scholarships while males receive 55%. Although the ladies competing in college are beginning to earn what they deserve, some collegiate women are not earning nearly as much as men in the same field. Female coaches across the country make much less than coaches of the opposite gender. Although they work just as hard, their efforts are not always rewarded financially. On average, a male head coach of an NCAA Division I-A team will earn $932,700 more than a female head coach. Knowing these numbers, it is important to reflect upon this and work to make sure the women who lead and inspire us are not slighted due to their gender.

It’s not just sports on the collegiate level that are taking a while to change, despite years of efforts from hard-working women. As far as professional sports go, Wimbledon began offering equal prize money to  both genders just 8 years ago! Despite some remaining injustices, women in sports revel in the victories in equality that we have earned. Female in athletics are optimistic that positive change will continue. The Women’s Sports Foundation recommends attending women’s sporting events, supporting companies that advocate for women, encouraging young ladies to participate in sports, and becoming an advocate yourself in order to to facilitate this change. Women in sports have made great strides, and we at The State University of New York at Buffalo immensely appreciate those who have and continue to work for this change. Being competitive athletes, though, we believe that there is always room for improvement and are willing to work to continue to the change that our predecessors have begun for us.

Hear all about our awesome female athletes and coaches, as well as our male counterparts, by "Liking" Bulls Pride on Facebook and "Following" @UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter!

Women's Basketball isn't Playing Games

Anyone looking through the University at Buffalo’s Women’s Basketball roster can observe that the team has an abundance of underclassman players. Upon interviewing the ladies this week, I became aware that this youthfulness should not be mistaken as a disadvantage. So much of sports is mental, and the determination that each of this team’s players possesses is striking. When discussing their chances of winning the MAC Tournament, there is neither hesitation nor doubt. “We WILL win a MAC Championship this season,” one upperclassman declared. Other teammates wholeheartedly agree, and they share that their strong resolve is, in part, a result of head coach Felisha Legette-Jack’s possession of this quality. The women discussed the incredible closeness they feel as a team, and note that the entire coaching staff ensures that each player works to get the best from both herself and the team. Special events, such as an early season trip to Miami to compete in non-conference games, has helped build and solidify a bond that is crucial among championship winning teams. As Coach Legette-Jack is quoted to have said earlier this season, “We have faced adversity this season, but we've decided that we want to own our own power.” And what a powerful team it is. While many players are new to the collegiate student-athlete life, the upperclassmen that lead the team are some of the best players to pass through this athletic program. Only 22 women in school history have joined the prestigious 1,000 Point Club, two of whom are currently on the roster. Mackenzie Loesing is only the fifth ever University at Buffalo female to earn a spot in the 1,000 Point Club in her junior year. With such accomplished upperclassmen blending with an incredibly talented group of underclassman, their certainty that a championship win is in store this season is not surprising.

Not only do these ladies talk seriously about their sport, but they are equally passionate in other areas of their lives. They say that the “ball is life” stigma associated with basketball players is simply untrue. In fact, one player shared that the Women’s Basketball Team actually worked their way into the top GPA spot among the University at Buffalo sports programs this past semester, with ten of their athletes earning a 3.0 or higher. This is fantastic in and of itself, but with many of their young players adjusting to the incredible rigor of being a Division 1 student-athlete, as well as several international team members adjusting to a brand new country, this feat speaks volumes about the dedication of these women in each dominion of their lives. The amazingly positive and focused attitudes of the Women’s Basketball Team, along with incredible work ethics and talent, is of the caliber seen in championship winning programs. If they aren’t already, the other MAC teams should be nervous to face our Women’s Basketball Bulls. If one thing is clear, it is that these ladies don’t play games, they compete to win.

To hear all the latest news on UB’s Women’s Basketball Team, as well as all of our other Championship Caliber teams, “Like” UB Bulls Pride on Facebook, and “Follow” @UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter.