This past season has been one that most Buffalo wrestlers would like to have back. Close matches, injuries, and tough losses have left this year's grapplers looking for answers.
Senior Kevin Smith was a great example of what the wrestling program believes in – student first, athlete second. A season that was crucial to his legacy here in Buffalo was cut short, as he did not make the cut for the National Championship.
"It's tough for all of us because we love him, he's done an awful lot for us," said head coach Jim Beichner. "We all feel for him, [however] the guys that qualified have to get that out of their system and compete for the University at Buffalo."
Although this was a surprise to the team, two other wrestlers will be participating in the tournament.
Redshirt freshman Max Soria and junior Mark Lewandowski will look to erase the past assumptions that they are part of an inexperienced team.
Soria earned his first bid to the NCAA tournament this past weekend and looks to make an impact on a national level. In order to do so, Soria will have to compete with some opponents who already have experience in the tournament.
"You try to let him know it's no different than any other match," Beichner said. "You can't tell him what the National Championship will be like."
Soria will have time to scout his opponent he will be facing in the first round of the tournament. This could give him an inside advantage over his opponent, and help him get a feel for what the atmosphere is like.
"[Soria] will get a chance to see the arena, with the huge crowd," Beichner said. "He won't be the first one up, he will see some other guys competing."
Fellow teammate Lewandowski is more experienced in the tournament. Lewandowski was a top-12 wrestler in the tournament last year. He just missed becoming an All-American by one point. He looks to avenge his loss from last season.
"I tell him Mark you are as good as anyone in the country," Beichner said. "If you go out there and wrestle hard, you go after it, you can be an All-American, a national champion [and] you can obtain any goal you have."
Wrestlers should not over-prepare for the competition, however. Coaches have to be careful how hard they work their wrestlers. Being 100 percent healthy, and properly prepared for competition can have an effect on how far one goes in the event.
"We are gonna see guys we haven't seen before," Beichner said. "Additional scouting, video review, and proper rest [is needed]."
The two representatives look to make a statement for the Bulls' future as they take to the mat March 15-17 at the Scottrade center in St. Louis, Mo. for the NCAA Division-1 National Championships.
"If I was wrestling [both guys]," Beichner said. "I would be worried."
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