Buffalo Public Schools Kicks-off Inaugural Boys Wrestling Season
BPS wrestling program’s first 2023-2024 home meet is on Thursday, January 4
BUFFALO, N.Y. (December 28, 2023) – The Buffalo Public School District (BPS) has a new districtwide junior varsity and varsity men’s wrestling program for the 2023–2024 season. The BPS athletics department successfully established a single boys wrestling team comprised of 34 student athletes from 13 different high schools that is competing against other Section VI teams for the 2023–2024 season.
The BPS wrestling program’s first 2023-2024 home meet is on Thursday, January 4, at 6 p.m. at Lafayette International High School.
“Boys varsity wrestling is now offered to our scholar athletes in grades 7 through 12. This not only gives our scholar athletes an opportunity to improve their physical abilities, but it also imparts valuable life lessons like discipline, tenacity, and good sportsmanship,” Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams said.
“Over the years, BPS has talked to wrestling leaders about the benefits of the sport, and we are excited and proud to offer 7–12th grade boys wrestling this year and girls wrestling next year. As an emerging sport, wrestling will be recognized and administered like our other NYSPHSAA Section VI sports. We believe wrestling will give our student-athletes more opportunities, that is the mission of Buffalo Athletics,” Director of Athletics Aubrey Lloyd said.
With a combined tenure of 50 years, head coach James Cunningham and his staff will coach the team out of Lafayette International High School 207. Ninety-nine percent of the team is represented by young men of color.
Hutchinson Central Technical High School Junior Shannowaz Zafor has stated that he plans to attend an Ivy League university after graduating from high school, and it is thought that one of the team's heavyweight wrestlers, Lewis J. Bennett Senior Kahamari Cook, may compete at the state tournament this season.
The BPS athletics department is actively working to expand the district’s wrestling program to include a girls varsity as soon as the 2024–2025 season. Both boys and girls varsity sports teams are competitive at the Section VI and New York State levels, with South Park High School (2015) and Lewis J. Bennett High School (2022) having won state football championships in recent years.
For more information about the Buffalo Public School District visit www.buffaloschools.org
About Buffalo Public Schools:
One Voice. One Mission. One Vision. It is much more than a catchphrase; it is the foundation that the Buffalo Public Schools use to put children and families first to ensure high academic achievement for all. Buffalo Public Schools is the second-largest school district in New York State and is renowned for its commitment to equity for all and its unique cultural and linguistic diversity. Located in Buffalo, N.Y., the district is comprised of more than 60 schools, 30,000 students, and 100 countries represented. The Buffalo Public Schools provide an integrated and multifaceted educational experience for every student.
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