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.

The Breakfast of Champions is Actually Swim Practice

At this time of year, many friends and teams opt to participate in a “Secret Santa” gift exchange. The State University of New York at Buffalo’s Women’s Swimming and Diving team don’t do this, though, because they’ve already been doing a “Secret Sister” since the beginning of the year. This fun and supportive exchange amongst teammates will continue until the MAC Championship Meet, when the identity of their “sister” is revealed. At the beginning of each year, team member draw the name of another teammate from a hat. This name becomes their year-long “project”. Before meets, they can make their “secret sister” posters, buy them small gifts, or get more creative in order to motivate them through the often weekend-long meets. “It's just a fun way to get excited for meets and it's a good way to learn new things about our teammates,” shares a senior member of the team.  In addition to this fun tradition, these athletes draw focus and motivation from each other each day at practice, even if they don’t have much time to chat during their sets. From fall until March, these ladies are focused on giving their best every day, which starts on their “rough double days” with an alarm at approximately 5:30 a.m. so they can be in the water ready to swim at 6. Classes and school work follow, and then they proceed to dry land practice for a half an hour, concluding with a two hour swim to end their physical training for the day. Despite the physical fatigue that such long days brings, the women describe their long season as “great” because it leaves them plenty of time to prepare for MAC Championships.

The work is undoubtedly difficult, but these women see results from their physical labors, describing the highlights of their season as being some of their toughest meets. After the Snowvember storm, the women arrived to their meet in Cleveland after missing a day of competition. Despite this, the women share that “the coaches did a great job of preparing [them] and staying calm,” so the team was able to give many season best times and a handful of lifetime best performances. They also attribute much of their success to the influence of their captains, who “guide them to be better in and out of the pool.”   Such quality leadership is what helped these swimmers and divers at an invitational earlier this season to defeat Akron, the reigning MAC Champions from last year. They share, “it came down to the last relay so the whole meet was close,” but the Bulls stayed strong and came out on top. The early season success has this team, and its fans, optimistic and excited. “The hardest training of the season is coming up soon,” reports one swimmer. “As long as we keep up the training we’ve been doing, we definitely have a shot at the MAC title this year.” This talented and focused group of women has a very special team this year, and everyone is excited to see what they can do with the second half of their season!

To continue following the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team in their quest for a MAC title, and to hear about our other talented teams, Like the Bulls Pride Facebook Page. Also, be sure to Follow @UB_BullsPride on both Instagram and Twitter.

Aqua Bulls Make The Pool Their Stomping Ground

If you’ve been to a UB athletics event, it’s more than likely that you have seen and heard the Men’s Swimming and Diving Team. This group of men has a ton of school spirit, and they make their presence known both in the water and on dry land. One team member discussed the team’s involvement in AFA’s and support of other teams, saying that as a “low attendance sport” they understand how helpful it can be to see other students in the crowd. They are almost always in attendance to support other teams, and beyond that, they are vocal at the events. At the Volleyball AFA, the boys wore grass skirts to honor the Hawaiian theme and then painted their chests. There was so much interest in participating that, one swimmer jokes, “we had to add a couple exclamation points at the end.” The participation in both AFA’s and community service are attributed to strong leadership. “Our captains and SAAC reps help to motivate us,” the team shared, which is so necessary when a team has the crazy schedule that Swimming and Diving does. The majority of their week day mornings are started in the icy pool water at their six a.m. practices. Later in the day, the team is back in the pool for their second practice of the day, and in between those two they have weight room sessions. Their competition season begins when they arrive for the fall semester and they compete until the MAC Competition in March. One of the athletes shared that, although they are technically “off” from March through the summer, it is “almost impossible to improve without year-long preparation.”

It’s obvious that these men have not failed to prepare year-round. Although a slow start to a meet led the Bulls to fall in the tri-team competition against both Army and Michigan State, the swimmers and divers did not adopt a defeated attitude. Instead, they came in strong at their meet against McMaster’s University, winning almost every event. The positive, confident, competitive attitude that each team member exhibited that day gives hope to all the men on the roster. They are already looking forward to MACs in the spring, with their sights set on Missouri State, who won the Conference last year. Their most recent meet in Cleveland was another dominant performance, showing the potential that these athletes have to place first come March. Although a snowstorm set them back a day, the Bulls went in, again, with their champion mindset and had numerous top ten program times and meet records. Swimming and Diving requires a lot of mental and physical strength, and it can be difficult to stay focused and motivated over such a long training season. The men of UB’s Swimming and Diving team have done a phenomenal job of keeping each other optimistic and training hard, and the results are evident in the water. With such fantastic performances in the first half of their season, it’s difficult to imagine our Aqua Bulls leaving the MAC Conference Meet without lots of gold hanging from their necks.

To stay up-to-date on the successes of the Men’s Swimming and Diving Team, and to hear all about our other athletic programs, Like the Bulls Pride page on Facebook and Follow @UB_BullsPride on Instagram.

Leadership Leads To Championships

In this new era of UB Athletics, we are seeing a large focus of energy on striving to reach the next level of success as athletes. This year, our fall sports have all stepped up to accomplish new feats, and the Volleyball team overcame adversity to accomplish some remarkable successes. From their impressive pre-season wins of both the USF and UIC tournaments to their trip to the MAC Tournament, these ladies were relentless all season long. One of the biggest challenges that the Volleyball Team faced this season was its youth. Although these young players are indisputably talented, “down the stretch of games we had some situations where experienced players had the upper hand,” adding a challenge at the end of what are already extremely difficult matches. The transition to a college sport is a hard one, especially when the team refers to their athlete status as a full time job. They say the time commitment becomes much more than what their coach requires of them. The little things they do on their own to remain one of the most competitive teams in the Conference add up, and “you can't just turn your brain off when the game or practice is over”. As a freshman at a Division 1 level, this can be overwhelming.

To counter this disadvantage, the older ladies on the team have had to step up their leadership roles. This means more responsibility, but it also affords the seasoned veterans a chance to shape mature, savvy, successful competitors that will represent UB for the next three years. The captains take this job seriously, focusing on being positive and thus spreading positivity both on and off the court. Their leadership seems to have helped the younger players, who they say have done an excellent job of “stepping up and working hard in their roles”. There is no doubt this is true, since the team competed this past weekend in the MAC Tournament. None of the girls on the team had ever been before, so, despite having to leave a day early in order to ensure a timely arrival due to weather, these girls were thrilled to have the experience. These athletes are “starting a tradition of going every year and competing,” which makes the team very proud. Their competitive and exciting play has drawn larger and larger numbers of student athletes to games over the past few years, one team member has noticed. This year’s Volleyball team boasts higher attendance, elevated success on the court, a phenomenal coach, motivated leaders, and talented players. When you take all of these factors into consideration, it is no wonder the team is one of the best in school history. It has been exciting watching this team work to raise themselves to a new level this year, and the leadership is undoubtedly going to lead to championships.

To learn more about the Volleyball team’s season, or to hear about our other athletic team successes, Like the Bulls Pride page on Facebook. Also, Follow @UB_BullsPride on Twitter and Instagram. 

Balancing Books and Breaking Records

All student athletes understand that competing for a Division One team will not be easy, and each sport entails unique challenges. Being a member of one of the most recognized teams on campus carries with it several obstacles of its own. A few of Buffalo’s football players discussed the toughest aspects of wearing their uniform, as well as the parts that make the sport worth every minute. “Being in the spot light, there is a lot of pressure. You have a lot of people looking up to you, so we have to work really hard every day to make sure we are good role models,” says one player. Their practices are right in the middle of the day, making it difficult to schedule classes. “We have to either do classes really early or really late,” they reported, since the middle part of their day is spent reviewing film, going over the playbook, in the weight room, and out on the field. They do balance their school work, but admit that it is extremely difficult. At this point in the school year, there is a lot of studying and work to be done, and they have several mid-week games. Missing classes, especially this late in the semester, can be stressful. They shared, too, that there is an added pressure to maintain both academic and athletic excellence since “pretty much everything we do is visible to everyone and talked about”.  As football players, these guys are not only working towards excellence, but also battling the “student-athlete stigma”. One player shares that people tend to judge him before getting to know him, sometimes perceiving him as arrogant or disinterested when really, he is just exhausted from his taxing sport.  

All of the football players agreed that they are one of the most active teams in the community. These men spend a great deal of time in Buffalo’s schools, speaking with young kids about the discipline it takes to secure a roster spot. They encourage these youth to work hard and stay on the “right” path. They’ve worked hard and earned everything they’ve received, and they hope to pass that attitude along to the future of their sport. Many of these college athletes had the opportunity to hear from collegiate players when they were young, and they say the motivation and inspiration gained from the experience still helps to drive them today. The valuable insight that was passed on to our current football players was “incredibly helpful” in keeping them working hard over the years, they share, and so they think of it as their responsibility to give back in the same way. This combination of community service, athletic drive, and academic discipline makes the members of this team some of the best-rounded on campus and drives their success.  Just this past week, quarterback Joe Licata broke the record for most career touchdown passes, and the team recorded its most points scored against a MAC opponent since its entry into the Conference 15 years ago. The men on this team are extremely talented and, although they close their season on Wednesday, they are optimistic about their future. With the fantastic mindset and focus each interviewed player displayed this week, along with the talent of these players, we can’t help but be optimistic as well.

To keep up with this team in the off season, and to stay up-to-date on our other teams, like our Bulls Pride page on Facebook and follow @UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter.

Strength in Numbers, Success Through Unity

If ever a sport was a mind game, cross country would be the one. Runners are always being told that they must be crazy to enjoy their sport, and UB’s Women’s Cross Country Team doesn’t deny their unique mindset. They say that the toughest aspect of their sport is that the largest barrier they face is not their ability but rather their minds. In a race of hundreds of girls, most are in near equal physical shape and have the ability to race as well as the others lined up next to them. However, miles of racing can mentally affect each one differently. Lactic acid builds up in each competitor’s legs, but the ones who succeed are the ones who don’t let it faze them. Once the fatigue sets in, the key to a great race is keeping the mind stronger than the body. It can seem like it is the individual against the course, but that’s where this women’s team has created an advantage. Their biggest improvement from last year, they shared, is that the training groups they have in practice have stayed close together during races. When one member of the pack starts to fade during a race, it is a huge help to have a few teammates around to latch on to and help pull her through that moment of mental weakness. In addition to this, they say that their pack of bulls can be daunting to opponents, breaking their competition down. The Buffalo girls certainly do not lack mental prowess, last year earning the second highest GPA out of all 18 athletic teams. This year, they hope their balance of work during and outside of practice will help them to clinch the top spot.

“The sport is ever growing and to be on top you always have to do more,” one runner shared. With many of these girls averaging near or over 60 miles of running per week, it is hard to imagine increasing intensity or mileage, and yet this team is always up for a challenge. “It’s not fun when it’s easy. We’re all extremely hard workers, and we embrace challenges.” These girls are certainly being challenged constantly, but their results this season have shown how well they respond to these challenges. Each returner has improved her times significantly, and every race the pack has been moving up in the scoring. The team made an appearance in the regional rankings for the first time in several years, and they look forward to continuing to improve in their Regional competition this coming weekend as well as throughout their track seasons. Each day, these ladies give their all to their training, and each day they have a little more to give. There is no doubt that these dedicated, relentless women have even more accomplishments in their near future.

To see results from this weekend's meet, and to keep up with all the athletics teams, like our Bulls Pride page on Facebook and follow UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter.

These Bulls Are Running The Show

Many people think of Cross Country as a black sheep kind of sport. In many ways, this sport is very different from all of the others. Men's Cross Country embraces that aspect of the sport along with the rest of it. They are the only athletes at this university, aside from Women's Cross Country, who have their name on three different rosters. They have a fall competition season, an Indoor Track and Field season, and an Outdoor Track and Field season. With three MAC Championships throughout the year, "training pretty much stays at the same intensity all year." This means they have no off season, and they travel all through both the fall and spring semesters. They even come back early from winter break to travel and train for their winter competition season. The men admit that this makes it difficult to have time to balance their work intensive majors with athletics, but share that as an athlete, they feel as though this year round, high intensity training helps them to improve their abilities much faster. Although our team is improving so quickly, they say that the biggest misconception about the sport is that it is easy. The sport of cross country requires the athlete to break down his body every day all year long, "and then come back the next day expecting to do the exact same thing." They get as few mental breaks as they do physical breaks, so battling physical and mental fatigue is a daily task. From eight mile long workouts (not including the warm up and cool down miles) to two hour weekly long runs, the men stress that their training is by no means easy.


As different as their demands may be, the Men's Cross Country Program is like the other athletic programs here in its success. This team is indisputably on the rise, and with no seniors on the current roster, this talented young team is ready to keep climbing. Last year, the program had a milestone in Zach Ahart's MAC Cross Country Championship win, becoming the first male in school history to accomplish this feat. This year, the men ran their way to the highest regional program ranking in school history, and they had some stellar performances this past weekend at their MAC Championships, taking fourth place. With the talent each team member possesses, the close knit bond these teammates share, and the experience they've gained this year, the team looks forward to their Regional meet in two weeks, as well as the amazing accomplishments they know lie ahead. Cross Country may seem difficult to understand, but the discipline, work ethic, and current and future successes of this team are plain to see.

To stay up to date on the Men's Cross Country Team and all of our other teams, like our Bulls Pride page on Facebook, an follow UB_BullsPride on Twitter and Instagram.

If You Want to Know What Champoins Do, Just Ask These Women

UB's Women's Soccer Team is on the same page this morning, but that is nothing new. Their excitement at securing their spot as top in the MAC is shared by all, and yet their determination to earn higher honors is even more apparent in each team member. "As a team we are driven and determined to exceed everyone's expectations and be the best team that has ever stepped in to UB Stadium," says one girl. You would be hard pressed to find an athlete on campus who hasn't noticed the incredible work of these women. They make it a point to build not only themselves, but other athletic programs. They say that they've noticed how much it can help to have a crowd cheering during a game, and they hope to be able to provide that to every team here by attending as many athletic events as their schedule allows. In addition, spending the extra time together at these events has helped to build their team camaraderie. This confidence in one another, they report, has helped to increase their confidence in themselves. "Knowing that every girl next to you has your back and is not only playing for themselves but for the team as a whole . . . is what drives us." These ladies admit they were nervous about their chance at success this year due to a coaching change after last season. Now, though, they rave about how close knit they are as a team and how vital the coaching staff has been to their mindset, work ethics, and ultimate success.


Being successful at a D1 level is certainly not easy, and these athletes face some hardships. As one of the most active teams on campus, time management is essential. Morning practices means a reasonable bedtime is a must in order to practice at the level that is demanded. Most days, after practice, are devoted to studying and homework so that these ladies can stay at the top academically as well. Because they sometimes miss classes in order to travel and compete, some weeks are "catch-up" weeks where the school workload can seem overwhelming. "Being a division one athlete requires you to be on the clock all day long," because in addition to practices, athletes who want to be successful generally do treatment on their own time, meet with coaches, attend mandatory study hours, and constantly monitor themselves to make sure they stay in top condition and make the "right" choices. Despite the expansive list of demands placed upon these athletes, they wouldn't trade the opportunity to represent the University for the world. Although many people don't understand the level of commitment required at this level, that doesn't matter to this team. The love they have for the sport, and that they have for their teammates and staff, makes the difficult parts bearable and the successes all the more special. These girls share trust, determination, tenacity, and a hunger for success that makes us all certain that the best is yet to come.


See more about these women and our other incredible athletes by following UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter and like the Bulls Pride page on Facebook.

A Closer Look at Men's Soccer

Our Men’s Soccer team is into their MAC play, and hopefully a lot of our students, student-athletes, and fans have been out to watch them at some point this season. According to several team members, they have been dominating their games as far as better quality chances go. The results in non-Conference play haven’t been what the team hoped for this season, but they are encouraged by their MAC play this season. They have stayed tough through double overtime in both of their MAC Conference play games so far to snag two draws, giving them 2 points and seating them fourth in Conference play. Both games have included a surge late in the game to keep them in contention and ultimately earn them two 1-point draws. 

It isn’t easy to keep strong the entire 90 minute game, especially with the double overtimes making the game a total of 110 minutes. “People don’t realize how physically draining it is. It is literally an hour and a half of constant running with the guarantee that you will get tackled on several occasions in that time.” The men say that the heat on the field varies by team, but it is always there to some degree. “Guys say pretty personal things,” they told me. “It can get dirty; people definitely underestimate the physicality of [the sport].” Perhaps it is this underlying brutality that makes soccer the number one watched and played sport in the world. 

So why the late-season improvements? The players attribute this success to “clicking” better on the field and being the kind of men who play better in higher pressure situations. The team agrees that having each other is rewarding and a key element that keeps them going during these games. They are optimistic about their chances to make it into the MAC Tournament this year. It would be the first time they entered the tournament in several years. They play a non-Conference game on Tuesday at UB Stadium and a hugely important Conference game this Saturday at Niagara University at 8:30 p.m. They report that a crowd “most definitely” helps them to elevate their level of play. Fans, if you can make it to the game, you could help this team as they give it their all; a win on Saturday gives the team a great chance of competing in the MAC Tournament. 

To see more about UB Athletics, like the Bulls Pride page on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @UB_BullsPride

Small Steps Toward Big Success

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” The sooner you commit to a goal, the more time you have to develop it and the more likely you are to achieve it. Regardless of your season of competition, it isn’t too late or too early to plan for success. As a student athlete, especially entering Week 8 of classes, it can be far too easy to lose sight of what we’re working for athletically. With multiple mid-terms in one week, practice intensity increasing, internships, fall festivals, and everything else going on, the little things can fall by the wayside. Rest is important for everyone, athletes especially. Maybe the 8 hours we were getting in August seems impossible now. We may be tempted to stay up late studying, or need to stay up later studying because we wasted time earlier in the day. Maybe while we’re up late, we drink coffee (more than usual) and thus have elevated caffeine and sugar levels which can further hinder the rest we get. These little things are hardly noticeable, but they can have a big impact on performance. We all have big outcome and performance goals, I’m sure. Maybe it’s to finish a certain number in the MAC (outcome goal), or to run a certain time or attain a certain personal statistic throughout the season (performance goal). These are only dreams, however, until we know our process goals. Process goals are the small efforts that we can do daily in order to perform our best. These could pertain to sleep, nutrition, mental toughness, daily ways to enhance your training, or anything else you need to succeed. Having these posted somewhere, maybe in your room or as the screensaver of your phone, can allow you to re-center yourself mid-day or at night when you’re tempted to have an extra snack or to spend an extra hour awake. College life can be overwhelming, and the added responsibilities of being a student athlete can definitely wear you down. Having predetermined goals, and seeing them every day, can really help to keep you focused and willing to work hard. When you know what you’re training for, who you’re training to be, it can often stop feeling like work.

Hear more about UB athletics on our social media sites. Like our Bulls Pride Facebook page and follow @UB_BullsPride on Instagram and Twitter.

Team Love is True Love

Athlete life in college certainly has its perks. We get first pick of classes behind the honors students (to accommodate our practice schedule), the gear we receive is top of the line, and we attract the interest of more fans than ever before. One of the coolest things we gain through collegiate athletics, though, is the people working alongside us. It can be difficult to find people on campus with the same discipline, focus, mindset, and goals. Most Division 1 athletes are crazy high achievers and perfectionists who constantly demand the very best of themselves. Your classes may not be full of people who operate the same way (those kids who come to class but sit on their phones the whole time?), but the rosters are composed of many people who are constantly in attack mode. We go to class ready to focus. We understand the importance of time management and balancing classroom success with athletic success. When that’s stressing us out, we have all of our teammates who can relate 100% and offer their support and sympathy. When we need to de-stress, our teammates are ready to drive us to our favorite place and tell jokes or sing along (out of tune) to the radio and just really make us laugh. If we need to cry after a bad athletic or school performance, they know exactly what to do, and they do it without judging or badgering us. They see us in our crazy moods and on our ugliest days, and yet they are always there to reassure us of how wonderful we are, inside and out. When we think there is no way we can do something, our team is there to build us up and help us conquer whatever barrier lies in our way. It is truly a special bond, and one that cannot be found anywhere else. We compete against each other sometimes, and we may fight, but we all know that every single person on your team would have your back in a split second should you ever need anything. This week, be sure to step back and look at how much your team gives you, and make sure you are giving that much and more back to them. After all, they aren’t just your teammates but your family, and the bonds we form now are lifelong.

Managing Mid-Semester

Is it really the end of September? Already? If you’re like most college athletes, you have a pretty rigorous schedule. Maybe, like myself, you hardly noticed the time passing. It’s as though you woke up today and suddenly it is mid-season, mid-terms are rolling around, you can’t seem to find enough time to accomplish everything you need to, and you’re thoroughly frazzled. It’s surprisingly easy to become overwhelmed and lose your focus. As we near this mid-semester point, though, it is important to remind ourselves and our teammates and friends that there is a greater picture here. There are a lot of resources available to us to de-stress. The Health and Wellness office in the Student Union offers short massages, stress management tips, healthy snacks, and more. Dog therapy is generally offered several times a semester. Tutors and mentors are available upon request. As student athletes, we have access to the amazing athletics staff, which includes Kellie Pieper. She is a Sports Psychologist who can help you with any issue, whether it is a sports concern, a school issue, or a personal thing. We have team members who are likely willing to help us through the stress, as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for help. So many of us are used harnessing our inner strength, which is fantastic. However, if we are continuously expending all of this energy and internalizing everything, the stress will catch up to us eventually. Every Division One athlete has an inner warrior, but we also have a whole team full of people just as strong as we are. Not everyone can make that claim, so we may as well utilize these resources. Never be afraid to voice your concerns to others – often the person will be able to relate and offer advice to remedy the problem. Take short study breaks to do something you enjoy, and believe me, you will make it through this!

Under Pressure

The pressure as an athlete, whether collegiate or professional, can be immense. Training, time management, making sure to sleep and eat properly, and keeping your nose clean are all part of the job. In addition, college athletes must maintain the proper GPA, worry about performance in order to maintain a roster spot and scholarship, try to have some sort of social life, and attend seminars or internships or anything that can additionally grow them as a person. I know some people think anyone could do it, but it really is extremely challenging and stressful. Beyond that, we have people examining us constantly. We must be wary of our social media use and make sure everything we do is cleared by compliance. Whether you are a member of a money-generating team or not, the pressure and goals are the same. You had better believe that every team is packed full of athletes working their tails off. Sometimes we may feel the regular student body doesn’t understand all of our responsibilities. It’s worse when we feel other teams at this University don’t give us credit. Many people lack respect for other sports because “they could never do what we do”. Yes, I doubt a 280 pound football player is going to do very well if you throw him into a cross country workout. In the same respect, a 110 pound distance runner won’t fare very well as a defensive end. We need both of these people, though, in their respective areas if we have any chance at those MAC Championships we want to be winning.  It’s not about the competition between the sports here at UB, but the unity. As student-athletes, it is up to us to represent our school, our team, and ourselves in a positive light. Cheering at other sporting events or asking a member of another team how their competition or training has been going can really help to bring us together, as well as bringing us closer to success.  It is much easier to push through the physical and mental exhaustion when a group of your peers is rooting you on. My challenge to you this week, then, is to not just attend the AFA but to be vocal at the event. Maybe get a group to go to the Rowing event the next morning and cheer them on as well. We’re full of talent here; every athlete deserves your full respect and support. The only way to elevate the State University of New York at Buffalo is to lift the other teams up with us as we rise to the top. Success of an individual person or team means hardly anything. We are interested in universal success, and it starts with your success in supporting others.

Reasons You Should...

This week, we have another SAAC body meeting! We had FANTASTIC participation and attendance at our first meeting, and we look forward to even more this week. If you’re not an official rep, that doesn't mean you shouldn't join us. Actually, if you have the availability to do so, you probably should. In case you need more convincing (as I’m sure some of you may), I've compiled a list of great reasons why I should see you all on Wednesday. Without further ado, here it is!

Reasons to attend this week’s SAAC Meeting:

1)      It is at the Newman Center for the first time this year. The meeting starts at seven, buuut if you come at about 6 pm, you can get free food. For anybody who hasn't been there, the Newman Center serves dinner every Wednesday to the community. It’s all home-cooked by the amazing parish members and it is all DELICIOUS! This week they will be serving home-made Polish sausage and side dishes, so if you miss out on this you will probably be super sad and you only have yourself to blame.

2)      We have a ton of awesome activities going on this year! Until you give it a chance, it’s hard to know what SAAC can do for you. Jesse has worked SO hard to plan out the coolest community service activities, and if you don’t know about them it’s difficult to be involved in them. Once you see what they are, though, you’ll want to participate. Don’t miss out on all the fun by being uninformed!

3)      The E-Board is pretty cool. And we’ll talk with you. And then you’ll feel extra cool. Who doesn't want to be extra cool? 

4)      You get to let out your inner artist and be super creative because we are making posters! If you’re not very artistic, don’t worry. Neither am I. Yet I’ll still try to make a poster because sometimes it’s good to laugh at ourselves and be out of our comfort zone (ahh like in last week’s blog? Yes, just like that. Great connection. See? You are creative, being able to make that connection.).  

5)      The E-Board does not contain the only cool people in the room. There will be tons of super awesome athletes there who you can laugh with and make friends with. They’re great and together you and your new athlete friend can be way great and why wouldn't you want to be way great?

6)      Lastly, you can earn Bulls Pride. Remember my challenge from last week’s blog? If not, that’s okay! Read it right now and then if you do what it says you can help boost your team to the prize money reward at the end of the year. What? You earn money for your team through Bulls Pride? See what you miss when you don’t come to SAAC meeting?!

There! I hope you are all thoroughly convinced and that I see your sunshine faces on Wednesday at 6 or at least at 7! Last note-don’t forget to bring your completed Bulls Pride logs.  Happy Monday and GO BULLS!