Ken Hunte
Ken Hunte
Year: '50
Team: Syracuse

      *KEN HUNTE, Syracuse ’50:  the World War II veteran attended Syracuse from 1947-1950 and is one of just four Orangemen to reach two NCAA finals. Competing at 155 in the 1949 and 1950 Nationals he beat two NCAA runners-up and both finals losses came against three-time NCAA champion Bill Nelson. Hunte won two EIWA championships and placed third, pinning six of 12 opponents.

      After college returned to his native Bellmore and coached at Mepham High School. In 1958, took over as head coach from the renowned Sprig Gardner, to strengthen the school’s renown as “The Cradle of NY Wrestling.” Hunte retired in 1977 after 18 years, earning a 189-35-2 record, then taught Phys Ed until his death in 1985.  He coached seven individual state champions, was inducted into the NY State Hall of Fame and in 1999 was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Lifetime achievement. He's survived by his widow, Jane, and 3 children.