Budzik was a standout in basketball for the Redmen.  A two-year letter winner and All-Lake Erie League selection, Budzik left Parma High as the school record holder in points scored in a season and career free throw percentage. The Plain Dealer recognized him as 2nd team All-Scholastic. 

He played at Mansfield University, where he was a four-year letterman and first-team All-Conference selection. Budzik scored over 1,300 points in his college career, ranking him amongst the best in Mansfield history.  He also is amongst the leaders in numerous career record categories including assists, three-pointers scored, steals, and free throw percentage.

Budzik was inducted into the Mansfield University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 and was selected for their All-Century basketball team in 2000.