Buff State - Thank You!
by Terry Bitka

Where has the time gone!?

I have been so fortunate in so many ways, and I owe so much to so many people. It all started by being raised by two tremendous parents who taught me so many valuable lessons that have carried me well to this day. When your mom (Bobbi) was in the Navy, and your dad (Danny) was in the Army, you learned a lot about discipline and establishing a great work ethic while growing up. You also learned that the week of the annual Army vs Navy football game could present a tense situation in the house! Without your support, especially in those early years coaching and living in your basement, I wouldn't have been able to do what I love. I know you both look down with pride on the successes of your family!

When Jerry Boyes was hired as Buffalo State's first full time Head Football Coach in the late spring of 1986, I was fortunate he didn't have a lot of time to put a staff together. He took a chance on a young kid fresh out of college, and offered me $1,000 to be his Offenisve Line Coach, and my odyssey as a Bengal began! As in any profession, the early years can be lean financially. Again, I was lucky in that Fred Hartrick, the AD at the time, looked after my interests and would hire me to supervise events in our facilities. After several years, through a collaborative effort between Fred, Jerry, and Dr. James Gold, VP for Student Affairs, I was offered the opportunity to be a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Residence Life, and earn my Master's Degree in Student Personnel Administration. I became the Resident Hall Director for Perry Hall while continuing to coach football. I had the best RA staff on campus, which allowed me to split my time between Athletics and Residence Life without missing a beat.



During my time in Residence Life is when I met my top recruit of all time, Heather Hewitt. It may have taken a few years, but after becoming full time in Athletics, I was able to get her to commit after extending a lifetime offer! Heather is the real Head Coach of the Bitka family. With her love and support through the years, I was able to do what I loved to do – coach football. Through the down years and the rebuilding, to the victorious years that included the NCAA playoffs and Bowl games, she has always been supportive! The reality is that during certain times of the year, I spent more time with my "football family" than I did with my own family. Raising three great kids while having an absentee husband from August through New Year's, not to mention all those recruiting visit days and practices in the Spring, she has kept our boat afloat. I am truly a lucky man!



Buffalo State has meant a great deal to me for 36 years. As an outstanding teacher, Heather will often bring up that "It takes a village" in one's development. Those words couldn't be more true for the journey I've followed down the Black and Orange road. I have no idea where I would be today if not for Jerry Boyes. My boss, advisor, mentor, and friend. Our families are intertwined forever. Our youngest sons are roommates, housemates, teammates, and friends. Our wives are best friends that will keep us on our toes! We have been very fortunate to have basically raised our kids at Buffalo State. I always loved having our kids around college athletes. The players always made them feel a part of the team and welcome. The Buffalo State "Village". Having the ability to work with so many wonderful people over the years. Watching other coaches run their programs. The help and support of all the secretaries and other support staff over the years. The training staff not only keeping our players on the field, but keeping me on the field as well!

I'm retiring from coaching for the right reasons. I was fortunate that our daughter Emily, and oldest son Brandon, played lacrosse while in college. With their seasons being in the spring we were able to attend most of their contests. Our youngest son Ryan happens to play football at Cortland and I'd like to be a dad and watch he and his best friend Zac Boyes for the next three years. Life is too short. After all, someone will have to join Coach Boyes at the tailgates!



The Bengal program is in great hands with Coach Lazarus Morgan and the rest of the assistants. It was a blast working with these young guys this spring. You made my decision that much more difficult.

There have been many memorable wins, along with some heartbreaking loses along the way. There's been great joy in the building and rebuilding of the program over time. But the biggest satisfaction is seeing where our players are in their lives today. Many have become leaders in their professions and communities, outstanding husbands, and fathers! Many have had to deal with adversity on different levels. If there was just one tiny thing that we could have passed along to our Bengals while they were at Buffalo State that helped them along their chosen paths, then that's the biggest win of all!

That's a wrap – Bitka Out………..