Post Classifieds
Rudney's role extended far from field
By Tom Gallagher
On October 10, 2012
Former men's soccer player Mike Rudney had a rather unorthodox career at Buffalo State.
On top of being immensely talented and productive on the field, the former Bengals' captain maintained
a family life not seen by typical student-athletes. He had his first-born daughter, Kaitlyn, just three
months before his freshman season began.
"To get through all of that was a lot of hard work. I had a lot of support from a lot of different people at
a lot of different times," Rudney said. "I had to grow up fast, but most importantly, I had a lot of support
from family, friends and teammates."
That support system played a large role in his success - success that is being honored when he and four
other Buffalo State standouts are inducted into the Buffalo State Athletics Hall of Fame later this month.
"With having a child, going to school, going to work and playing soccer for the love of the game, it's nice
to be rewarded for that hard work," Rudney said. "It's something that I can share with my daughter
now that she was there with me and with my wife, Jodie, who was a big piece of (my career). There
were so many people that were a big part of the success I had and to be able to thank them is a great
experience."
Rudney played at Buffalo State from 1997-2000. Former Bengals' head coach Anthony Massop recruited
him.
"When I recruited Mike, I was very pleased that he was that type of individual that would be as
committed as he was and successful as he was," Massop said.
Massop named Rudney team captain in just his sophomore campaign - a testament to his leadership on
the field.
"Mike is a good person," Massop said. "He really shows a great deal of character and leadership and
responsibility in regards to the situation that he was in. I really thought he would do a great job (as team
captain) and I never regretted that."
What made Rudney such a talented player was his knack for finding the back of the net. His 56 career
goals and 132 career points are both Buffalo State records over the course of a four-year career. His
goal-scoring prowess led to All-SUNYAC honors in each of his four years at Buffalo State.
"Mike was a big, strong, athletic kid who loved soccer," said current Buffalo State men's soccer coach
Rudy Pompert, who coached Rudney his senior year. "He was very explosive. He ran past everybody and
was a killer in front of the goal. He put every chance away he got. He was extremely dangerous."
Rudney agreed that scoring goals was his niche - a niche that he very much enjoyed.
"I used my speed and I loved to score goals," Rudney said. "A lot of people don't want to score goals
because it's a selfish thing. I like that. I like the team counting on me to score when we needed it."
Rudney was relied on more often than not by his teammates - as both a player and leader. Pompert
suggested that it had to do with how Rudney carried himself.
"How he took care of his child, himself, his schoolwork and his soccer - a lot of guys on the team, and
me included, had tremendous respect for that," Pompert said. "He was the team leader."
Reflecting on his time as a Bengal, Rudney noted that he learned a lot about the sport and a lot about
life while donning orange and black.
"I learned a lot about time management, hard work and dedication," Rudney said. "Those are all lessons
that help me now. I didn't have any aspirations of being a professional soccer player, but I loved the
game, and the lessons I learned I can still apply now and teach my daughters."
Rudney graduated from Buffalo State with a degree in General Business Studies in 2001. These days, he
works in purchasing for Rich Products and resides in Grand Island with his wife and their three daughters
- Kaitlyn, 15, Ella, 7, and Calli, 3.
He's actively involved in various Grand Island soccer programs and seems to be at the helm of a budding
soccer family.
"Two of my three daughters already play soccer, and the third one will too - she doesn't have a choice,"
Rudney said with a laugh.
The induction ceremony will take place Oct. 27 in the Sports Arena. Tickets can be purchased for $20 by
calling (716) 878-6514.
Tom Gallagher can be reached by email at gallagher.record@live.com.
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