SUNY Potsdam Athletics

After winning the 1971 New York State Wrestling Championship out of Carey High School in Franklin Square, N.Y., Molbury was drawn to SUNY Potsdam. Bears Hall of Fame Head Coach Neil Johnson was lucky to attract the talented athlete to the North Country with the help of Molbury's high school coach and uncle, Dr. Bob Bernard, who also happened to be Potsdam's first SUNYAC wrestling champion.
 
Over the next four seasons, Molbury compiled an amazing 94-17 record, with most of his defeats coming in postseason matches or to Division I opponents. He won three SUNYAC Titles at two different weights. After winning at 177 lbs. in 1972, stiff competition forced him up to 190 the following season. He responded by winning another conference title and helping the Bears win the SUNYAC team championship. Molbury wrestled at 190 lbs. again in 1973-74 and raised his game. He went 28-0 with 15 pins, winning his third consecutive conference title and the New York State Championship. He then capped off the year by becoming the NCAA Division III Champion and Potsdam's second All-American ever. He repeated as state champion in 1975 to close his career.
 
Molbury is described by his coach and teammates as someone who loved life and was well-liked by everyone. He enjoyed his college experience at Potsdam and was occasionally a challenge for Coach Johnson.
 
"He stressed me, but his performance on the mat healed everything," said Johnson. "Rich was always respectful to me as coach. His presence created an atmosphere that motivated those around him to excel. He was a lot of fun to be around."
 
Fellow Hall of Fame Wrestler Joe Galea says Molbury "was one of the nicest guys I ever knew and a lifelong friend."
 
Molbury also impressed Johnson with his all-around athleticism.
 
"He was an outstanding athlete," Johnson said. "He could have played any sport he wanted. Whatever intramural team he played on never lost. I once saw him dive off the high board in Maxcy and I heard he became a star playing semi-pro football after Potsdam."
 
After wrapping up his wrestling career, Molbury married Massena native Karen Stone and they settled in Agawam, Massachusetts to raise their family. He spent 22 years working for Kaman Aerospace Corporation in various roles, including engineering. He continued to learn new skills, while taking advanced technical courses at Southern Connecticut State University. Molbury worked for several other companies in related areas in the following years and became a lead engineer at Quest Global in Windsor, Conn. in July 2018.
 
Molbury stayed involved in athletics throughout the rest of his life. He served as a youth baseball, softball and wrestling coach, as well as a high school wrestling and football official. In 2013 he was named the Massachusetts State Wrestling Coaches Association's Official of the Year. Molbury was enshrined in the Bears Hall of Fame in 1998 as an individual and again in 2013 as a member of Potsdam's 1972-73 SUNYAC Championship Team.
 
Molbury was one of the most talented athletes to ever put on a Bears uniform.