Brian McGann inducted into SUNY Oswego Athletic HoF

Brian McGann inducted into SUNY Oswego Athletic HoF

 

Brian McGann inducted into SUNY Oswego Athletic HoF
Former SUNY Oswego All-American wrestler Brian V. McGann of Cutler Bay (right) receives his plaque from former
coach Jim Howard during Nov. 2 induction ceremonies for the SUNY Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame.

Brian V. McGann of Cutler Bay, a 1970 alumnus of the State University of New York at Oswego, joined the ranks of 78 other accomplished individuals who have been voted into the SUNY Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame, forever solidifying themselves in the college’s athletic history.

Standout wrestler McGann and three fellow Oswego alumni were inducted officially into the Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Nov. 2 in Sheldon Hall ballroom on campus. Others inducted were baseball player Bob Brutsch (’71) of Crested Butte, CO; swimmer Anne Sarkissian DeRue (’04) of Oswego, NY, and soccer and lacrosse player Kathryn “Kat” Stead (’04) of Clifton Park, NY.

“This year’s honorees represent some of the best athletes in Oswego State’s long athletic history,” said event organizer Laura Pavlus, interim director of alumni and parent relations. “We are honored to recognize them today.”

McGann served as a four-year co captain on the wrestling team from 1965 to 1969. He earned NCAA College Division All-America honors in 1969 at 130 pounds following a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. He was crowned SUNYAC Champion in 1966 at 123 pounds and in 1969 at 130 pounds, while finishing second in 1968.

“He’s the only wrestler I know who was captain all four years,” said McGann’s former coach, Jim Howard, who presented the award.“He’s always smiling and a very personable guy, and his laugh is delightful.”

During his freshman season, McGann was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Eastern Championships hosted by Army after winning the title at 115 pounds against competitors across all NCAA divisions. He also posted an undefeated record of 22-0 as a freshman and sophomore.

“My first two years at Oswego I did very well on the wrestling team, 22-0,” he said. “But that wasn’t good enough for Oswego. They said we do have some academic standards. And I learned that it’s not just about sports. It’s about the whole person.”

He left Oswego, served in the U.S. Marine Corps and returned to Oswego to complete his degree and compete in wrestling again.

“Oswego taught me that I was actually a good teacher,” McGann said. “SUNY Oswego and wrestling had a direct effect on me, and I had an effect on all the students I’ve taught during my career. SUNY Oswego gave me my education and helped mold me into the man I am today.”

McGann continued to be involved with education after graduation, as he became a technology education teacher and was named the 2004 Miami-Dade County Technology Education Teacher of the Year.

The Alumni Association established the Hall of Fame in 2001 to honor those persons who have made outstanding contributions to Oswego athletics. Its purpose is to perpetuate the memory of those who have brought honor, distinction and excellence to Oswego in athletics.

For more information, visit www.oswego.edu.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here