Born in Niskayuna, N.Y., Bellai attended Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, where he won the 105-pound title at the New York State wrestling championships. After graduating from Mont Pleasant in 2003, Bellai went on Delhi Junior College in New York, where he was a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association wrestling champ at 118 pounds.
Bellai then headed west to continue his education -- and wrestling career -- at the University of Oklahoma, where he wrestled for legendary Sooner coach Stan Abel. Bellai placed fourth in the 118-pound bracket at the 1988 Big 8 conference championships. Bellai then qualified for the 1988 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at 118. He won his first match, but then lost to Oklahoma State's Cory Baze in his next match and did not place. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma in 1988 and his Master's degree from SUNY Albany.
Bellai was a long-time Physical Education teacher and coach, employed for the last 17 years at Saratoga Springs High School where he was also a wrestling coach at the varsity and modified levels. In addition, he served as a girls' softball coach, and most recently a cross country coach.
Current Saratoga Springs head wrestling coach Kris West told The Saratogian, "I think everyone is shocked. He was such a young guy, so full of life. He was a guy that everyone was drawn to and attracted to and a great person to be around.
"He's always laughing, in a good mood; he always put you in a good mood. He always knew how to put a smile on someone's face, cheer them up and make their day better. He is going to be sorely missed."
Shenendehowa varsity wrestling coach Rob Weeks -- a rival coach and long-time friend -- also shared positive memories of coach Bellai.
"He was one of the pioneers of my generation and one of the guys that we looked up to as a hero as a wrestler and a great ambassador for the sport afterwards, it is sad," said Weeks. "We had a nice, healthy rivalry with them and he invested his time and effort into the program."
Christopher DiLorenzo, Saratoga Springs High chemistry teacher, told The Daily Gazette, "If you could say, 'Here's how I want to build a teacher, and this is the personality I want that coach to have,' that's Coach Bellai."
Funeral services have already been held.
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