The Niskayuna Central School District issued
the following statement on Wednesday, Oct. 24,
upon learning about the death of alumnus Jeff
Blatnick, a member of the Class of 1975, an
Olympic Gold Medal winner, and a 1985 inductee
into the Niskayuna High School Hall of Fame:
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the death
of alumnus and Olympian Jeff Blatnick. The
entire Niskayuna School community mourns the
loss of this friend, who accomplished so much
and made us so proud. It was not just his
achievements in wrestling that made Jeff a role
model for the students who followed in his
footsteps in the halls of Niskayuna schools and
in the athletic arena. Students and teachers
alike have been inspired by his courage, his
perseverance in overcoming challenges, and his
generosity with his time. Jeff will be missed,
but he will be forever remembered in the
Niskayuna School community."
Jeff has distinguished himself as an athlete
and humanitarian. In high school, he wrestled
from obscurity to New York State champion. As a
college and amateur wrestler, he was a six time
champion and a member of the world cup and 1980
and 1984 Olympic teams. His greatest victory in
wrestling came during the 1984 summer Olympic
games in LA when he won the gold medal in
Greco-Roman Wrestling. The strength and maturity
he developed as a high school student and his
courageous fight with Hodgkins Disease serve as
a model which we all can emulate. Since he won
the gold medal, Jeff has generously given of his
time to promote many charities, particularly
those involved with fighting cancer.
Jeffrey C. Blatnick, Class of 1975
Inducted: 1985
