Hall of Fame
A native of Bainbridge, N.Y., Josh Ruff wrestled at Binghamton from 2001-2004. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in computer science in 2005.
A two-time NCAA qualifier and the program's first Division I conference champion, Ruff packed all his accomplishments into three seasons before he was denied a culminating senior campaign when the program was discontinued for one year.
A local recruit, Ruff began his collegiate career with a runnerup showing at 133 pounds at the season-opening Bearcat Open. He went on to post an 18-5 overall record in 2001-02 - the school's first Division I campaign. He captured a title at the New York State Freshman/Sophomore Championship and was ranked as high as No. 3 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) before a late-season injury cost him a chance at competing in the postseason.
As a sophomore captain, Ruff was dominant in duals, winning a record 16 of 17 matches at 141 pounds, including eight by bonus points. At the CAA Championship, Ruff finished as runnereup, earning one of the two qualifying spots for the NCAA Championship. In Kansas City, Ruff made his NCAA debut with a bang, posting a second-period pin in his opening match. After back-to-back losses ended his season, Ruff finished with a 29-9 overall record and was named team MVP.
In his junior season in 2003-04, Ruff went 27-7, including another sparkling 16-1 dual match record. At the CAA Championship, he was seeded third at 141 pounds but went 3-0 to become the program's first Division I conference champion. With the title came a return trip to the NCAA Championship, held in St. Louis. There, Ruff recorded a pin for the second straight year at nationals and he added a major decision before bowing out on Day 2. One of his losses was a narrow 8-6 setback against the eventual champion — the closest anyone came to beating the Iowa wrestler in the bracket.
Ruff finished his shortened wrestling career with a 74-20 overall record, including a 36-4 dual mark. His career dual win percentage of 90 percent ranks fourth-highest in the first 48 years of wrestling history at Binghamton.
In 2004, Ruff was named the lone wrestling recipient of the CAA Scholar-Athlete Award and his other academic achievements included being a Dean's List student in the Watson School of Engineering and also being named an NWCA Academic All-American.
