WNY Athletics Wrestler of the Week: Ryan Bitka

Amherst junior Ryan Bitka has been selected as the WNY Athletics Wrestler Of the Week for Week 2 of the 2018-2019 season.

After two weeks of wrestling Ryan remains undefeated with a 13-0 record and is one of the top 285-pounders in WNY. Eight of those wins came by way of pin. Ryan was 3rd at the Section VI Div. I state qualifier last season. He’s been a key piece in helping guide head coach Dennis Bauer’s #8 Tigers to a strong start in 2018 as they look to contend for league, Dual Meet, and class championships. Ryan was named to the all-tournament team at the Tonawanda Warrior Duals in week one and at the Jon Vesper Memorial Duals at Clarence this weekend with a 5-0 tournament record. Ryan is a reliable team and school leader who takes it upon himself to ‘lead by example’ for the up and coming Tiger squad.

Ryan had an excellent football season for the Tigers on the offensive line and earned a host of postseason accolades. In the spring he serves as an attackman on the lacrosse team. Ryan’s coaches have noted that he’s rare to ever miss a session in the weight room even on match or game days and is internally and long-term goal driven. You won’t find many three sport student-athletes with the character traits and work ethic of Amherst’s Ryan Bitka. By the end of the season he may be the second Amherst heavy weight in as many years to represent Section VI in Albany.