Athletics Hall of Fame to induct six new members as Class of 2024 on September 13

Six-time All-American Connor Mergler (Swimming, ’18) will headline a decorated class of six inductees into the Buffalo State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on September 13.

National champion triple jumper Ben Ezike (Track and Field, ’17) and fellow All-Americans Gabrianna Boldinski (Soccer, ’16) and Kevin Carr (Hockey, ’14) will join Mike Doherty (Football, ’14) and Staci McElroy (Basketball, ’14) in the class of 2024.

Mergler was the most accomplished swimmer in school history earning six All-America certificates while winning 10 individual SUNYAC titles during his outstanding four-year career as a freestyler. He was named SUNYAC Outstanding Swimmer of the Championship Meet three times and was twice named SUNYAC Male Swimmer of the Year. He also finished his career as the school record holder in the 50, 100 and 200 free, the 100 back, the 200, 400 and 800 free relays and the 400 medley relay.

Ezike transferred from Division I University of Rhode Island and made the most of his two seasons at Buffalo State, capturing the indoor and outdoor triple jump national championships during the 2016 season. He also captured SUNYAC Championships during the 2016 and 2017 outdoor seasons.

Boldinski is Buffalo State’s first-ever All-American in women’s soccer earning second team honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America during her senior season in 2015. In that year, she was also named SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Year and was a three-time All-SUNYAC Selection during her four-year career. The defender finished with eight goals in 74 career games played.

Carr was a four-year starting goalie with the Bengals’ men’s hockey team and culminated his career as a third team All-American as a senior in 2013-14. A four-time All-SUNYAC selection, he was twice named SUNYAC Goalie of the Year. Carr finished his career with the school records for shutouts in a career (9), saves in a career (3,225), wins in a career (45), and games played in a season (27) and career (104). Since graduating, Carr has played professionally in the ECHL, SPHL, the Austrian League and most recently in the British Elite Ice Hockey League.

Doherty was a three-time All-Region and All-Conference honoree, as a wide receiver and kick returner with the Bengals’ football team. He finished his career with 176 receptions for 3,107 yards and 21 touchdowns in 41 games. He also scored two touchdowns on kick returns. He holds the school records for most all-purpose yards in a game (419), season (1,877) and career (5,554), most career kick returns (97) and most career kick return yards (2,261).

McElroy ranks fourth in the history of the Bengals’ women’s basketball team in both scoring (1,412 points) and rebounds (691) in 105 career games. A four-time All-SUNYAC selection, she was named first team three times and was named SUNYAC Rookie of the Year in 2010. McElroy added 134 assists, 47 blocks and 167 steals.

Buffalo State Athletics will hold its 2024 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union. This is a semi-formal event.

Itinerary
6:30 p.m. – Cocktail reception with light hors d’oeuvres (Fireside Lounge)
7:30 p.m. – Buffet Dinner (Social Hall)
8:00 p.m. – Induction Ceremony (Social Hall)
** Concluding with coffee, tea and dessert reception

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED NOT LATER THAN SEPT. 3

Cost: $50 – includes dinner, dessert and two drink tickets

To make reservations, contact Jeff Ventura via email venturjm@buffalostate.edu or by calling (716) 878-6030

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