John “Buddy” Wleklinski graduated from CBA in 1975. He returned to his alma mater in 1981 and has served as a teacher, coach and Director of Athletics.

CBA Director of Athletics and boys basketball coach John “Buddy” Wleklinski ’75 has been awarded the school’s Lasallian Educator of the Year for the 2013-14 school year.

Wleklinski who has faithfully served the students of CBA for the past 34 years as a teacher, coach and Director of Athletics, was nominated by his colleagues and was presented with the award at the recent Scholastic Honors Night.

The Lasallian Educator of the Year Award is presented to a CBA faculty member who exemplifies the ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Eligible nominees must have been a Lasallian educator for at least five years, be actively involved in fostering the mission of Lasallian education, and demonstrate an enthusiasm for the Lasallian tradition.

“This award is a tremendous honor,” Wleklinski said. “The fact that our very talented and dedicated faculty made this selection, makes this honor even more special.”

Wleklinski was the starting point guard on CBA’s first Section III Basketball Championship team in 1975. He earned All-CNY honors as the shortstop of the undefeated CNYCL league baseball championship team that same year. He went on to the University at Albany where he played on the basketball team from 1976-79, earning the team’s Most Improved Player Award in 1978.

He returned to his alma mater in 1981. During his tenure, Wleklinski has taught math, business and physical education to students at several grade levels. He has been chairman of the Business Department and has coached junior high soccer, varsity and junior varsity tennis and basketball.

Wleklinski took over the varsity boys basketball program in 1984.   Over the past 30 years, his teams have compiled a 430 – 233 record, have won nine league championships and advanced to the Section III Finals eleven times, winning six Section III championships in four different classes.  His teams also advanced to the State Final Four three times and captured the NYSPHSAA State Championship in 1997.  Wleklinski was named CNY Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2009, NFICA New York State Coach of the Year in 1998, and Section III Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2009.  He was inducted into the Christian Brothers Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and, in 2008, the school’s basketball court was officially named Buddy Wleklinski Court.  In 2012, he received the Blind Men and Criers annual “John Arcaro Coaches Award” given to the high school coach who has been recognized for outstanding success in their sport.

Since 1989, Wleklinski has been the Director of Athletics at CBA. Under his leadership, nine teams and several individuals have won State Championships. Wleklinski has served on various League and Section committees and is well respected by his colleague.

He, his wife of 29 years, Patti and his daughter Alyssa live in Camillus. Patti was also a faculty member at CBA.

“CBA has always been very important to me and my family,” Wleklinski remarked.   “Patti and I have taught and coached here for over 50 school years combined. During that time, we have been fortunate to have worked with thousands of wonderful young people and have watched them grow into successful men and women. The relationships that we formed with them and their supportive families are ones that we truly treasure.”

John “Buddy” Wleklinski receives the Lasallian Educator of the Year Award from Brother Joseph Jozwiak, FSC at Scholastic Honors Night.