Kean University

A true pioneer for Newark Normal School (now Kean University), Charles Detgen was not only enrolled in its first four-year academic program, but was also the school's first student-athlete to play four years of intercollegiate varsity basketball. 

Detgen was the captain of the 1934-1935 team that was coached by the legendary Joseph D'Angola and included fellow Hall of Famer Vincent Sarnowski. That squad defeated powerful Montclair Normal School (now Montclair State University).

Detgen's athletic exploits were not limited to basketball. He founded the varsity gymnastics team, on which he competed for two years, and achieved a noteworthy level of success. He qualified for the New Jersey Amateur Athletic Union gymnastics tournament during the 1934-1935 season, as the captain of the Newark Normal squad.

In addition to serving on the athletic committee and belonging to the archery club for two years, Detgen was a member of the student council, president of the junior class and president of the Student Organization.

Following his graduation, he served as the president of the Alumni Association.

Detgen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial education in 1936.