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!
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