Three members of New York University's wrestling team are graduating among the class of 2021.
Donny Albach (Monroe Township, NJ/Monroe Township),
Will Ortman (Hopewell Valley, NJ/Hopewell Valley Central) and
Miguel Ruiz (Madera, CA/Madera) are all set to graduate in May.
Albach and Ortman both joined the team as freshmen prior to the 2017-18 season, while Ruiz came aboard in 2019-20 after transferring from Fresno City College in California.
Over the last three years of competition (the 2020-21 season was lost due to the coronavirus pandemic) the wrestling team posted an overall record of 39-21 under Head Coach
Bruce Haberli. The grapplers placed 19th at the 2018 NCAA Division III National Championships and captured the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship in 2020.
"These three young men all have the work ethic, maturity, team-first attitude, and competitive drive to be their very best in everything they do," Haberli said. "That's the way they've approached wrestling, school and life. These three outstanding seniors have made it clear why coaches want to coach."
Coach's Comments:
Donny Albach (Monroe Township, NJ/Monroe Township): "Donny is one of the more mild-mannered wrestlers on our team. He is very respectful and always there to help, whether it's a teammate, coach, trainer, or manager. Donny is one of the most approachable wrestlers on our team. In addition, his daily effort was obvious and displayed in great spirits. He didn't let his work load drag him down. Donny seemed to enjoy every aspect of wrestling and was a great example to everyone on our team."
Will Ortman (Hopewell Valley, NJ/Hopewell Valley Central): "Will might be our best walk-on in NYU history. In one of his first matches with us he suffered a season-ending injury. For many, that would be career-ending. Not for Will! He spent a tremendous amount of time in our sports medicine office rehabbing and before long was back in our practice room raising the workout level of our team's upper weights. Within a year, he was back and ready to wrestle. He quickly became a formidable heavyweight and was a great anchor to an already strong team. Will alone made our team much more competitive. I would have really enjoyed seeing what he would have accomplished this year if it weren't for the pandemic."
Miguel Ruiz (Madera, CA/Madera): "Miguel comes from a military background. He is a person who doesn't understand a lack of effort. He would give 100% in practice daily. His improvement came so quick last year and everyone noticed. We watched Miguel go toe-to-toe with a few nationally-ranked wrestlers in real tight bouts. Unfortunately, Miguel got hurt and it took him out of the line up for most of the season. He was able to come back near the end, but it was too late in the season to get back to where he was. But, Miguel stuck with us and continued to work hard. He showed a lot of heart and dedication throughout."
