Binghamton University Athletics

A native of Spencerport, N.Y., Gary Boughter played soccer at Binghamton from 1973-76. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1977. 

A four-year starting central midfielder, Boughter anchored a Binghamton program that made three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, captured two conference titles and won at a 70 percent clip.

As a freshman in 1973, Boughter earned a starting role, tallied four assists and helped the team make history by earning the first NCAA tournament berth of any Binghamton team. The Colonials pulled off a 2-1 overtime win at Albany to reach the second round, where their 10-4-1 season ended with a loss to Adelphi. 

Now in its first year as a member of SUNYAC in 1974, Binghamton went unbeaten (7-0) to capture its first conference crown. The team was ranked as high as No. 15 in the country (all divisions) before earning a repeat NCAA tournament berth and regional host role in the 16-team field. In front of an estimated 3,000 fans at West Gym Field, the Colonials and eventual NCAA champion Brockport played an epic four-overtime game with the visitors prevailing 3-2. Boughter closed his season with two goals and four assists.

A junior captain in 1975, Boughter and the Colonials earned a No. 1 NCAA regional seed and again hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA Division III tournament. A 4-3 win over Albany advanced the Colonials to the national quarterfinals, where their 11-win season ended with a 2-1 loss to Brockport. Boughter scored two goals and earned both All-SUNYAC and All-State honors.     

In his final collegiate season, captain and team MVP Boughter tallied five goals and one assist and repeated as an All-SUNYAC and All-State selection. The Colonials won seven of their last eight games and captured the program's second ECAC Upstate New York title. 

Boughter was chosen for the University's Jake Pitler Award in 1977 for athletic achievements and leadership.