Episode 18

full
Published on:

29th Oct 2020

Blair Estarfaa - University of Buffalo Women's Basketball Assistant Coach

Blair Estarfaa is in his second season as a member of the women's basketball coaching staff at the University of Buffalo. He was promoted to assistant coach in June after serving as the team's Director of Basketball Operations during the 2019-20 season.

Estarfaa came to Buffalo after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at Daemen College. Prior to coming to Daeman, Blair was an assistant coach at Alfred University in 2016-17.

He is a graduate of SUNY Cortland and three-year member of the men's basketball team. He captained the 2015-16 team to a 21-8 record and a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) title. He earned first team All-SUNYAC honors and second-team all-district honors as a senior after averaging a team-high 15.4 points. Estarfaa was a standout at Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga, N.Y. As a senior he averaged 25 points a game and collected fifth-team Class A all-state honors. He was also named second-team All-Western New York and ECIC III Player of the Year following his senior year.

"It is an honor to be joining such a talented group of student-athletes and coaches and it's a blessing to represent the city of Buffalo," said Estarfaa. "I look forward to the journey ahead. Go Bulls!"

Coach Estarfaa is an up and coming star in the coaching profession. Thank you coach for your time and insights!!!!

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Beyond the Ball

About the Podcast

Beyond the Ball
“Fueling your Faith and Family through Sport”
Welcome to the “Beyond the Ball” podcast with Coach Eric Klumpp and Coach Justin Gerstung, two basketball coaches here to celebrate the game of basketball, and all sport, with real discussions, with real coaches from all levels, that use their platform to serve others while finding balance off the court in their faith, with their families, and in their communities. Join us in celebrating the way YOU serve, love, and care.

About your hosts

Eric Klumpp

Profile picture for Eric Klumpp
Eric Klumpp is a high school basketball coach in the Western New York area at Newfane HS. He has coached at the JV level for 9 years and at the varsity level for 9 years. He grew up on a dairy farm in northern Niagara County and has been teaching health and physical education at Newfane HS for the past 17 years. He is co-owner of Tents Unlimited; a party tent rental company that supplies large tents to customers for all occasions. He is an active member of Ridgewood Bible Church community and also has participated in men’s physique bodybuilding competitions.
Some thoughts from Coach Klumpp, “The journey of life is a difficult one, life will give you tests; and through those tests you learn valuable lessons. Through basketball and all sport, we get to learn valuable lessons to be used to serve ourselves and allow us to grow. I am very excited to share my experiences and knowledge in hopes to serve others on the same coaching journey that I have been on”. Through this pod I pray to bring light on important issues that surround the importance of mental, social and physical wellness and how it creates a better environment for us to thrive as a coach and build lasting relationships with those that we serve. One of my favorite verses in scripture is Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Justin Gerstung

Profile picture for Justin Gerstung
Justin Gerstung is a high school basketball coach in the Western New York area at Akron HS. He has coached at the JV level for four years and at the varsity level for fifteen years. He has been married to his beautiful wife Rochelle since 2003 and has four children, Emma, Benjamin, Abby, and Noelle. Coach G teaches MS Social Studies at Akron MS, helps run the youth basketball program in the community, coaches AAU with the Buffalo Titans, and most importantly to him, is a member of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church vestry. In addition, he runs the Wall of Fame Committee at Akron, coaches youth soccer, and loves the Buffalo Bills. Some thoughts from Coach Gerstung “I believe that basketball is a microcosm for the game of life, those with the best spirit, approach, and perseverance are the ones that find true happiness. The game of basketball, and all sport, have created so many positive experiences in my life that the desire to share is overwhelming. This pod is a way to show gratitude for what I have, while trying to serve others. Taking initiative and being fearless is something I try to model for my kids and students and it is ultimately my goal to serve that helps define my priorities and in turn helps me create balance. I could not do any of this without the support of my wife and kids, family, and friends. Our family words… hungry, humble, fearless embody the approach I try to take everyday and pass on to my kids. I am learning as I grow as a Christ follower and husband, the value of the process and the importance of celebrating others and celebrating their successes! My hope is that this podcast can spread some of the love that I have for this game!” Coach Gerstung hopes that those that listen enjoy all the extra stuff that sport has to offer and encourages feedback and the creation of dialogue.