CBA Director of Athletics and boys basketball coach John “Buddy” Wleklinski ’75 will be inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame on March 22.

The New York State Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have significantly improved basketball in New York State and have served as glowing examples of New York State Basketball.

Wleklinski, who has faithfully served the students of CBA for the past 35 years as a teacher, coach and Director of Athletics, also recently received the Syracuse Sports Corporation’s Believe To Achieve Award. The Believe to Achieve Awards recognize meritorious contributions to the Central New York Sports Community.

John “Buddy” Wleklinski was recently honored with the Syracuse Sports Corporation’s Believe To Achieve Award.

“It’s a great honor to be inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame,” Wleklinski shared. “This recognition is a testament to all of our former players and assistant coaches, who without their hard work and dedication, this wouldn’t be possible. I’m truly honored and humbled.”

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 31 years, his teams have compiled a 446-237 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.

Last year, his colleagues nominated him as the Lasallian Educator of the Year. The 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.

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.

The 2014-15 Brothers basketball team received a first round bye in Sectional play. The Brothers host Oneida in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 p.m.