With great sadness we have learned that Jeff Blatnick has passed away due to complications from heart surgery. Blatnick, a cancer survivor, was a 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist in Greco-Roman. A 1975 graduate of Niskayuna High School (Section 2), Blatnick often said that he never set out to be an Olympian….he just tried to be the best every time he stepped on the mat. Blatnick remained very active in the New York State wrestling community. He served as a volunteer assistant coach at Burnt Hills HS where he has two teenage sons, and he also was a coach at the Journeymen Wrestling Club in the Albany area. Rest in peace Coach Blatnick.
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Very sad to hear of Coach Blatnick’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family, I am so sad for this loss.
I was honored to see Jeff Blatnick as one of the guests of honor when I wrestled in the 1984 New York State Empire State Games in Syracuse. I was just 17 and was in awe of the opening ceremonies and the entire proceeding. Jeff was a star and we were floored to have him there to celebrate our achievements.
The wrestling community is thankful for having him, and mournful of his passing. God Bless Mr. Jeff Blatnick and his family.