From NYU Athletics
New York University wrestling Head Coach Bruce Haberli was inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III Hall of Fame on Thursday, March 8. The induction ceremony was held at The Westin Downtown Cleveland on the eve of the 2018 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, which were held on Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, in Cleveland, OH.
Haberli, in his 23rd season at the helm of NYU's wrestling program, was enshrined in the 2018 Hall of Fame Class along with coaches Mike Duroe (Cornell College) and Marty Nichols (Ithaca College), as well as wrestlers Blake Gillis (Wartburg College), Phil Lanzatella (St. Lawrence University) and Stephen Rivera (Trenton State College/The College of New Jersey).
Since beginning his coaching career at NYU in 1995, Haberli's teams have compiled a 280-184-3 (.603) dual-meet record. Over his 23-year tenure, Haberli has guided NYU to 10 University Athletic Association (UAA) titles and has coached 17 All-Americans, including 10 since 2013.
In 2016-17, Haberli coached 133-pounder Nathan Pike to a National Title, the first in program history. This past season, he guided Evan Drill (149 pounds; fourth place) and Raymond Jazikoff (157 pounds; seventh place) to All-America honors as the squad finished in 19th place of 60 teams competing at the NCAA Championships. Under Haberli's mentorship, Jazikoff is graduating as the program's all-time single-season (48) and career (149) wins leader.
Numerous other wrestlers have flourished during Haberli's tenure. Brandon Jones (2012-15) was the program's first three-time All-American, finishing as high as third place. A two-time NCAA Championships qualifier, Michael Oldham (1997-2001), established team records for most wins in a season (41) and career (141), won a Metropolitan Championship (157 in 2000), and was a two-time New York State Collegiate Championship finalist. Tyras Bookman earned back-to-back All-America honors in 1999 and 2000. Jason Snow (174) was an All-American in 2002, placing fourth at the NCAA Championships. He also became NYU's first-ever four-time UAA Champion.
Prior to joining the NYU staff, Haberli served as the Head Wrestling Coach at Manhattan College, where he was also the school's Director of Recreation and Intramurals. He was named Metropolitan Coach of the Year in 1995 and New England University Wrestling Association Coach of the Year in 1992, 1993 and 1995. Under his direction, Manhattan produced its first-ever Metropolitan Champion and its first finalist in the New York State Collegiate Championships. Two team members qualified for the NCAA Division I Championships during Haberli's tenure.
A former captain of the Hunter College wrestling team, Haberli was a NCAA Championships qualifier who compiled a 67-20 career record. He went on to attend Lehman College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in therapeutic recreation and physical education.
Haberli has served as a member of the New York Athletic Club's Wrestling Committee and was President of the New England University Wrestling Association from 1991-95. He now serves as Treasurer for the New York State Coaches' Association.