Niagara Wheatfield wrestling

Without a doubt the most famous former wrestler from the Niagara Wheatfield program is mixed martial art fighter Rashad Evans. One of eight children, Evans was a two-time All-State wrestler at Wheatfield, placing 3rd in New York State as both a Junior and Senior, as well as a two-way player on the school's football team, playing running back when on offense and safety on defense.

After graduating from Wheatfield in 1998, Rashad went to Niagara County Community College, where he won the National Junior College championship 165 lb (75 kg) in 2000. He then transferred to Michigan State University, competing in the 174 lb (79 kg) weight class. He started at Michigan State for three years and amassed a 48–34 record during that time. Evans was also one of only four people to ever defeat wrestling legend Greg Jones.

Since graduating from Michigan State and earning a degree in psychology, he has remained a resident of Lansing, Michigan. In 2004 Rashad began training for competition in the relatively new mixed martial arts.

Rashad Evans won the second season Championship on the televised Ultimate Fighter show and was on his way. On December 27, 2008 at UFC 92, Evans faced champion Forrest Griffin for the UFC light heavyweight belt. Griffin controlled most of the first two rounds with effective striking and low kicks. In the third round, however, Evans caught a low kick and countered with a straight right hand that dropped Griffin. Evans followed Griffin to the ground and eventually managed to finish the stunned champion with ground and pound. With the victory, Evans became the new UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion.

Evans lost the belt in 2009 to Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, but is still a high ranking contender and recently starred as a coach in the latest Ultimate Fighter TV program.