Published: March 24, 2008 11:21 pm            

COLLEGE ROUNDUP (March 23): McNally returns to his roots

Jim McNally’s athletics career has come full circle. The Kenmore native has returned to his alma mater, the University at Buffalo, to volunteer with Athletic Development office, the school announced Monday.

“Being a UB alumnus, I would like to end my career where I started it,” McNally said.

McNally retired in January after a 28-year run as an NFL assistant coach. His most recent position was with the Buffalo Bills. At one point, USA Today referred to him as the “best offensive line coach in the game.”

“We are thrilled that Jim has decided to return to his UB roots and selflessly volunteer his time,” said Warde Manuel, university athletics director. “His connection with many generations of UB athletes will assuredly help us to continue to raise the financial resources necessary for our program to meet the expectations of President John Simpson’s goals of UB 2020 (expansion initiative).”

After graduating from Kenmore West High School in 1961, McNally played four seasons at UB after walking on to the football team. He later served as an assistant coach from 1965 to 1970, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UB.

McNally moved on to coach at Marshall, Boston College and Wake Forest before being hired in 1980 to become the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line coach.

The Bengals went to two Super Bowls during McNally’s 15-year tenure, and tackle Anthony Munoz established himself as an all-time great.

McNally returned to the Super Bowl with the New York Giants in 2000, before coming back to Buffalo to join the Bills staff in 2004.

McNally’s legacy with the Bills was developing former tight end Jason Peters into an all-pro.



Baseball

NU game canceled

Inclement weather nixed Niagara’s game at Cleveland State scheduled for Tuesday. No make-up date has been set.

The Purple Eagles are scheduled to visit Duquesne on Wednesday, then open their home schedule Saturday with a doubleheader against Fairfield at Sal Maglie Stadium.



Women's Lacrosse

Gannon 16, Niagara 6

Erralyn Thomas and Leigh Downing each scored two goals in Niagara’s 16-6 loss to Gannon University. Thomas’ goal marked her 13th of the season.

Rounding out the scoring for NU (2-2) were Vanessa Schultz and Ashley Mandrino. Whitney Gil made nine saves in goal in the loss.

Taryn Millerd scored six times and Colleen Dixon added four goals for Gannon (5-1).

        

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