Class of 1999

Wayne Bleau atened and wrestled at Ausable High School in Section VII where he became a sectional champion. He wrestled for the legendary John Clark at St. Lawrence University and student taught under the direction of Lacey Jones at Gouverneur.

After receiving his Masters Degree from Syracuse University, he taught and coached at Whitesboro. Coach Bleau came to Fulton in 1974 and helped organize the Fulton Youth Wrestling Club that is still active today. He coached in Fulton from 1974-1989, posting a record of 180-36-2. His teams were ranked in New York State under his mentorship earning 12 sectional championships with two individual state champions in Lelan Rogers (165) and Ron LaBeef (126).

A highlight in Section III Wrestling history occurred in 1982 when his team defeated longtime rival Baldwinsville before a record-breaking crowd of 7,500 at Manley Field House. His 1983 team was the only New York team to win the State Dual Meet Title at West Point.

Coach Bleau began the Fulton freestyle wrestling club and has hosted many international teams. He hosted nine teams from countries including Germany, Rumania, Poland, and Finland. He has traveled extensively in the USA and abroad with regional and local teams.

Coach Bleau also organized and chaired the Empire State Games for the Central Region from its inception in 1978 until 1987, coaching numerous Empire State Games Gold Medalists.

Currently Coach Bleau is an assistant superintendent for management of the Cicero-North Syracuse School District. Coach Bleau's influence and coaching is still remembered by the Section III Wrestling community. We salute him and wish him the best!