Class of 2010

Anthony Bellai, a New York state champion wrestler, national junior college champ, and NCAA qualifier for the University of Oklahoma who went on to serve as a high school instructor and wrestling coach.

Born in Niskayuna, N.Y., Bellai attended Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, where he won the 105-pound title at the New York State wrestling championships in 1982. After graduating from Mont Pleasant , Bellai went on Delhi Junior College in New York, where he was a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association wrestling champ at 118 pounds.

Bellai then headed west to continue his education -- and wrestling career -- at the University of Oklahoma, where he wrestled for legendary Sooner coach Stan Abel. Bellai placed fourth in the 118-pound bracket at the 1988 Big 8 conference championships. Bellai then qualified for the 1988 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at 118. He won his first match, but then lost to Oklahoma State's Cory Baze in his next match and did not place. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma in 1988 and his Master's degree from SUNY Albany.

Bellai was a long-time Physical Education teacher and coach, employed for 17 years at Saratoga Springs High School where he was also a wrestling coach at the varsity and modified levels. In addition, he served as a girls' softball coach, and also the cross country coach.