Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District - Notable Alumni

Notable Alumni

Rashad Evans, Class of 1998, is a former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion. During his time at Niagara-Wheatfield, he was known for his significant contributions to the NW Falcons' varsity football and wrestling teams, with guidance and leadership from Coach Ace Cacciatore.

Coach Armand "Ace" Cacciatore, a 2002 inductee into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and a 1999 inductee into the New York State Wrestling Coaches' Hall of Fame. Ace dedicated his career to teaching and coaching at Niagara-Wheatfield and formed the school's wrestling program in 1963, compiling a record of 330 wins and 30 losses during his wrestling coaching tenure, sending over 35 wrestlers to New York State Finals. He was named to head varsity football coach in 1970, and within three years led the Falcons into their first league championship. His football record is highlighted with 158 wins in 26 years, three Section VI Class Double A championships (two of them consecutive, in 1996 and 1997), seven divisional championships, two Connelly Cups, and five trips to Rich (Ralph Wilson) Stadium. Cacciatore became known not only as a superb coaching tactician, but a molder of men. A strong believer that character matters, he instilled a strong sense of purpose and values in every athlete who ever played or wrestled for his teams. Coach Cacciatore often took an interest in the personal lives of struggling student athletes, and assisted many in obtaining college scholarships or otherwise achieving to their best potential.

Michael Pittman, Class of 2009, is a member of the University of Rochester's male a cappella group, The YellowJackets. The group appeared on season 3 of NBC's singing competition, The Sing Off.

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