Kean University

Not only was Al Nardone the first Kean wrestler to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but he was instrumental in lifting the wrestling program to national prominence.

The heavyweight became the first All-American in the history of the program after finishing eighth in the nation in 1987 and graduated fourth on the school's all-time victory list with 84 wins.

As a senior in 1986-1987, Nardone rolled to a stellar 32-6 record en route to being named the team's Most Valuable Player. His 32 wins are the sixth-highest season total ever posted by a Kean wrestler.

A three-time captain, Nardone led the squad to 16 wins in 1986-1987, tying the program mark. He captured first place in the NCAA qualifying regionals that season, following his junior campaign in which he posted a 20-8 record, placing third in the qualifying regionals.

Nardone earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management science from Kean in 1987.