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Reaction to Buffalo State’s Termination of D3 Women’s Wrestling Coaches

Theo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo State University announced Tuesday that it has terminated the contracts of the Division Three program’s two coaches before its first season even begins, leaving many wrestlers in limbo.

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Marea Palka, 17, was one of many who had planned to embark on a new journey to Buffalo State University for women’s wrestling, but that trip suddenly hit a wall.

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“It’s really disappointing for me and all the other wrestlers,” she said. “I’m just wondering what I’m going to do right now because most of the college applications are already closed and the administration has been waiting for wrestlers and former coaches until after the application season is over.”

Marea says she will reconsider other college options.

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Buffalo State released this statement saying:

“Buffalo State University is committed to building a thriving women’s wrestling program, beginning with competition this fall. A search process is underway to find a new head coach to lead our program.”

One of those former coaches is Kellen Devlin.

In a statement, he said:

“We had such big plans and were putting our dreams into action. To have our legs cut off 4 months before the start of the inaugural season is unconscionable. The new interim president and the new interim vice president have serious questions to answer from many heartbroken women and their families.”

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“These are athletes-first coaches. They’re going to put your academics first,” Moore said. “They’re going to do the best they can for you.” “These guys have a lot of experience. Buffalo State has to do better. This is destroying women’s wrestling. Ninety-five percent of the team probably won’t be here anymore.”

Marea’s mother, Mary, says the struggle has been vital for her daughter.

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“Wrestling was the best way for her to accept her body and her power,” the mother explains. “It gave her a lot of self-confidence.”

She questions Buff State’s decision.

“With the budget cuts, maybe they’re trying to force it to close by saying, ‘We support you,’” Mary says. “But now there’s not enough interest because all the wrestlers are gone.”

Buffalo State has no further comment at this time.

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