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Legendary Long Island wrestling coach immortalized by 'Seinfeld' dies at 85

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Legendary Long Island wrestling coach immortalized by 'Seinfeld' dies at 85

The legendary Long Island wrestling coach immortalized in an iconic “Seinfeld” scene has died — and everyone from celebrity former students to athletes recalled Tuesday how he went to the mat for them.

“They’re telling me I only have 2 to 2 to 3 minutes to give a eulogy,” said Christopher Bevilacqua, the son of beloved late 85-year-old coach and mentor Al Bevilacqua, to The Post.

“I don’t know how you can describe his life in 2 or 3 minutes.”

Al Bevilacqua, the legendary Long Island wrestling coach immortalized in an iconic “Seinfeld” scene, has died. Courtesy Billy Baldwin

Al Bevilacqua, who passed away Sunday, got his 15 minutes of TV fame when superstar funnyman Jerry Seinfeld famously name-dropped his former teacher in an episode of his wildly popular series — even though Al never really watched the “show about nothing,” his family said.

“He would go, ‘Seinfeld?’ What is that? A comedy?’ ” said the former coach’s son Michael.

But Al didn’t need the extra spotlight.

He was a coach overseeing the mats at the town’s high school for nearly 15 years since the early 1960s and later at nearby Hofstra University in the late 1970s.

The Massapequa man was also a 2012 inductee to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, garnering its highest honor, the Order of Merit.

And all of his sports accomplishments were just part of the story.

“Wrestling was really his vessel for who he was as a person,” Christopher said.

Bevilacqua was 85 at the time of his passing. massapequafuneralhome.com

“He thought of himself first as an educator who was teaching kids and youth on the subject of life. … He had humanity about him, and his soul was all about, ‘How do I create better people?’ “

Al, who brought the Massapequa Chiefs their first-ever county title in the 1970s, left a lasting impact on some of the school’s most notable alumni.

Hollywood in Massapequa

He taught driver’s ed to Seinfeld, according to family.

Seinfeld name-dropped his former teacher in a 1994 episode of his show called “The Race,’‘ as Jerry’s character readied to re-do a controversial high-school run in which he, admittedly, got a head start.

“Mr. Bevilacqua” was called in to officiate a rematch of the race.

Bevilacqua, who was name-dropped in the 1994 “Seinfeld” episode “The Race,” had tributes poured in from celebrity former students to athletes. NBC

Al’s son Michael recalled, “I was a contractor one time, I was in my bed with plans open, and ‘Seinfeld’ on in the back, and I go, ‘Did they just say Bevilacqua?’

“Then, my phone just started ringing.”

Al Bevilacqua thought of Jerry as “a nice kid,” Michael said.

Then there was Al’s former wrestler the “Born on the Fourth of July” author Ron Kovic.

“He taught about never quitting. … He was the best motivator,” said Kovic, who wrestled for Bevilacqua before becoming paralyzed in the Vietnam War and becoming the subject of the Academy Award-winning movie by the same name.

After Kovic tragically lost use of his legs, he crossed paths with his former coach on Hofstra’s campus, where Al Bevilacqua once again did what he was belovedly known for.

“It was quite emotional. He kept saying encouraging things to me that day, he showed it on his face that he was really sad that one of his boys had been hurt,” recalled Kovic, who wrote about Bevilacqua in his book.

“I’m still here because he taught me to never give up, and I think that was instilled in me and instilled in all the boys he coached…I’m sure when he did pass away, he was fighting until the end.”

Ron Kovic, who was Al’s former wrestler at Massapequa High School, said, “He was the best motivator,” and that quitting wasn’t an option, as the two later crossed paths in life after Kovic lost the use of his legs. Facebook/Park Avenue Grill

When the film’s director Oliver Stone and star Tom Cruise came to the Bevilacqua home to do research for their film adaptation of “Born on the Fourth of July,” Al wasn’t afraid to go a few weight classes above his belt, either.

“My dad goes to Stone, ‘Let me ask you a question: ‘Why do you hate this country so much?’ ” Christopher said of the controversial director, adding that Bevilacqua rejected the idea of being portrayed in the film as a violent-minded coach.

“He’s going to tell you what he thinks of what he believes — and I thought that was a pretty powerful testimony,” the son said of his dad.

Al Bevilacqua also left a deeply resounding impression on actor and former wrestler Billy Baldwin, who described the coach as “definitely a second father to me.”

Kovic says his wrestling coach’s words were inspirational and a reason why he is still here. Courtesy of Nora Bevilacqua

The Baldwin brothers, including actor Alec, were dear family friends who lived near the Bevilacquas, and their dad, Al Baldwin, worked with Bevilacqua at Massapequa High.

Billy Baldwin described Al as “the one” great inspiration outside of his own family who steered him through the world.

“We would have conversations that would lead to philosophical exchanges … and that would help to guide me,” Baldwin said of the devout Yankee fan who forgave him and Christopher for accidentally buying nearly $100 in scalped tickets for a game from the night before when they were little.

“He was the one for me, and he was the one for thousands of others.”

Bevilacqua also left a lasting impact on the Baldwin family, as Billy Baldwin called him “the one” great inspiration outside of his own family. Courtesy of Nora Bevilacqua

Going to the mat

Fame meant nothing to get into Al Bevilacqua’s good graces.

After the tragic loss of his father, Al brought Jim O’Rourke, Massapequa class of 1977, under his wing during his school days on the mats.

“He was an amazing character,” O’Rourke recalled.

“He has the most fantastic legacy.”

Al’s daughter, Nora, said her dad’s crowning achievement was launching Beat The Streets Wrestling, a program that brought the sport into the inner city and revolutionized their programs with resources and coaching.

“It shows you the power of one person and then ultimately one person doing what they believe in can achieve great things,” she said.

“I think my father passed that on to each of us.”

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Season Preview: Men’s Indoor Track and Field Ready to Build off Previous Seasons

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December 6, 2025

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WEST HARTFORD, Conn. The Hartford Men’s Track and Field team is eager to start the upcoming indoor season. The Hawks come off the heels of a Conference Championship a season ago, as well as a 14th place finish in the NCAA Division III New England Championship. The group looks to build on last year’s success to push themselves even further in the 2025-26 season. 

Familiar Faces:

Head coach Connor Green comes back for his third year at the helm of both the Men’s and Women’s Track and Field coach. He welcomes back 34 returners who look to make their mark following a successful season last year. Amongst the top returners is sophomore Aidan Lybarger (South Burlington, Vt.) who last year was honored as USTFCCCA Outdoor Track & Field All-Region in Discus, CNE All-Conference First Team (Discus), as well as becoming a school record holder (Outdoor Discus – 52.49 Meters).

“I think we’re going to have a pretty good season overall, especially from the throwers perspective. We all have gotten a lot better from last year which is amazing.” Lybarger said.

 

Senior Peter Effinger (Washingtonville, N.Y.) is also a key returner for the Hawks, coming off a CNE Academic All-Conference season, a year ago. 

“I’d like to go out and have a good season, set some PRs, and hopefully win another championship. Continue with hard training, making good progress in workouts, and trying to get under those milestones.” said Effinger.

 

Another key returner is junior Thomas Yonkers (Farmington, Conn.), who last season was honored as CNE Academic All-Conference, College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, School Record (Outdoor Pole Vault – 4.25 Meters).

“I think we’re looking to get back to the CNE and win the conference again, and we’re looking like a good team like last year. I’m most excited to see how the freshmen really develop their spots on the team. We’ve got a couple new vaulters, who I’m really excited to see this year in their first college season. ” Yonkers said. 

 

Season Outlook:

The Hawks will begin their season at the Yale invitational on Dec. 6th. Following that event they will take on the Wesleyan University Invitational on Jan. 24th. They will also compete in the John Thomas Terrier Classic at Boston University on Jan. 31st. The Hawks will close out the indoor track and field season at the NCAA Division III New England Championships in Boston at the New England at the Track of New Balance. 

For the latest information on Hartford Athletics follow the Hawks on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.





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Kentucky Track and Field Opens 2025-26 Indoor Season at Commodore Winter Challenge – UK Athletics

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December 6, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Wildcats track and field team is set for the start of a new indoor season this Saturday in Nashville, Tenn. at the Commodore Winter Challenge, hosted by Vanderbilt University.

For the first event of the new season, the Wildcats will send 45 total athletes to Nashville, competing across 21 separate events. The travel list for the weekend’s event is highlighted by returners Camden Bentley, Hannah Douglas, Sharmelle Holmes, Stacey Onyepunuka, Kate Powers and Emmi Scales on the women’s side and Grayson Brashear, Patrick Faust, Miles Jones, Devin Sealey and Anthony Waterman on the men’s side.

The Wildcats welcome 40 total newcomers to the 2025-26 roster, including 22 on the men’s side and 18 on the women’s side. Of the 40 new additions, 30 feature as true freshman, looking to make their collegiate debut this weekend for the Wildcats.

During the indoor portion of the 2025-26 schedule, the Wildcats will compete in eight meets, beginning with tomorrow’s event in Nashville. Following the turn of the calendar, Kentucky will host the Rod McCravy Memorial on Jan. 9-10 at the Norton Center in Louisville, Ky.

The final stretch of the regular season for the Cats consists of the Crossroads of America Invitational (Jan. 23-24), Razorback Invitational (Jan. 30-31) and the David Hemery Valentine Invitational and the Tiger Paw Invitational on Feb. 13-14.

For the second consecutive season, the Texas A&M Aggies will play host to the 2026 SEC Indoor Championships at the Fasken Indoor Track & Field Facility in College Station, Texas on Feb. 26-28. The 2025-26 indoor season will conclude on Mar. 13-14 in the Cats’ second trip to Fayetteville, Ark. for the NCAA Championships.

On Saturday in Nashville, Kentucky will compete against fellow SEC programs Tennessee and host Vanderbilt, as well as Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Belmont, Chattanooga, Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky.

Competition for the Commodore Winter Challenge in Nashville is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. ET, starting with Meagan Ewers, Gwyneth Lori, Kate Powers and Addison Stadsholt representing the Wildcats in the women’s weight throw event.

 

Event Schedule

Commodore Winter Challenge: Saturday, December 6: ALL TIMES IN EASTERN TIME
Women’s Weight Throw 9:30 a.m. FINAL Meagan Ewers, Gwyneth Lori, Kate Powers, Addison Stadsholt
Women’s High Jump 9:30 a.m. FINAL Kemarah Howard
Men’s High Jump 9:30 a.m. FINAL Devin Sealey
Men’s Long Jump 11:00 a.m. FINAL Kingi McNair
Men’s Pole Vault 11:00 a.m. FINAL Grant Harrison, Jack Marek
Men’s Weight Throw 11:30 a.m. FINAL Grayson Brashear, Brock Conrad, Cian Crampton
Women’s Long Jump 12:30 p.m. FINAL Dahlia Beasley, Julia Gunnell, Kemarah Howard, Skyler Reynolds
Women’s 60m Hurdles 1:00 p.m. PRELIMS Dahlia Beasley, Camden Bentley, Julia Gunnell, Kashia Hoo, Kori Martin, Rukia Nusra Omulisia, Emmi Scales, Alene Washington
Men’s 60m Hurdles 1:25 p.m. PRELIMS Anthony Waterman
Women’s Shot Put 1:30 p.m. FINAL Dahlia Beasley, Meagan Ewers, Julia Gunnell, Gwyneth Lori, Addison Stadsholt
Women’s 60m 1:45 p.m. PRELIMS Briley Cline, Sharmelle Holmes, Naseera Efua Quansah, Briana St. Louis
Women’s Pole Vault 2:00 p.m. FINAL Kaylee Daniel, Annie Murphy, Chelsea Wetzel
Men’s 60m 2:00 p.m. PRELIMS Coy Hyre, Miles Jones, Jack Marek, Zyrie Stewart-McLaren, Oscar Baltan Vivero
Men’s 60m Hurdles 2:45 p.m. FINAL TBD
Women’s 60m Hurdles 2:55 p.m. FINAL TBD
Men’s 60m 3:05 p.m. FINAL TBD
Women’s 60m 3:15 p.m. FINAL TBD
Men’s/Women’s Triple Jump 3:30 p.m. FINAL Theo Mudzengerere
Men’s Shot Put 3:30 p.m. FINAL Grayson Brashear, Brock Conrad
Women’s 300m 3:35 p.m. FINAL Dahlia Beasley, A’Laji Bradley, Briley Cline, Tressia Davis, Hannah Douglas, Julia Gunnell, Kashia Hoo, JahQueen McClellan, Rukia Nusra Omulisia, Emmi Scales, Briana St. Louis, Alene Washington
Men’s 300m 3:55 p.m. FINAL Tyrique Johnson, Brandon Nyandoro, TK Pahuwa, Zyrie Stewart-McLaren, Oscar Baltan Vivero
Women’s 600m 4:15 p.m. FINAL Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera
Men’s 600m 4:35 p.m. FINAL Patrick Faust
Women’s 4x400m 5:05 p.m. FINAL Kentucky
Men’s 4x400m 5:20 p.m. FINAL Kentucky

 

Follow Kentucky Track and Field and Cross Country on Facebook, Instagram, X, and UKathletics.com.





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Cyclones meet St. Thomas for NCAA Volleyball Championship first round – Iowa State Daily

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December 6, 2025

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The Iowa State volleyball team will return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last season. The No. 23 Cyclones (22-7, 12-6 Big 12) will face the St. Thomas Tommies (21-9, 11-5 Summit League) in the opening round.

“This is the first time I get to experience something like this, and I’m just really happy I get to experience it with this group of girls in this program,” senior middle blocker Tierney Jackson said. “I’m ready to have a long run in Minnesota.”

Iowa State will be participating in its 18th NCAA Tournament, while the Tommies are making their first appearance in program history.

This is the first postseason St. Thomas is eligible to compete in after elevating to the Division I level for the 2021 season. The Tommies won their first Summit League Tournament, making them undefeated in Division I postseason play.

The Tommies secured their NCAA Tournament berth by claiming the Summit League title. St. Thomas defeated No. 1 seed South Dakota State in the Summit League Tournament championship.

The Tommies are the only team to defeat the Jackrabbits over the past two seasons, winning in 2024 and 2025.

The Summit League champion has not won an NCAA Tournament match for 28 seasons. The last tournament victory for the conference came in 1977 — a five-set win for Oral Roberts over Arizona.

The Big 12 does not hold a conference tournament, giving its automatic NCAA bid to the regular-season champion.

No. 8 Arizona State (26-3, 17-1 Big 12) had a near-perfect conference schedule, their one loss coming to the Cyclones on Oct. 31. The Halloween victory was Iowa State’s biggest win of the season.

“I am super excited to make the tournament and continue on our run with my favorite group of girls, and we’re excited to go to Minnesota,” senior setter Morgan Brandt said.

Iowa State team in huddle after loss against Kansas State, Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa, Nov. 29, 2025. (Jaxon Carr)

Brandt was the Big 12 Setter of the Year and leads all active Big 12 players with 3,736 career assists. She also led a Cyclone offense that topped the conference in assists at 13.03 per set.

Iowa State occasionally switched from a 5-1 to give sophomore setter Ava Martin opportunities.

St. Thomas had an impressive nonconference schedule, with its best win coming against Big Ten opponent Northwestern. The Tommies won seven straight matches after defeating Northwestern, a program best since joining Division I.

The match will be played at Minnesota’s Maturi Pavilion, a venue where St. Thomas has already taken a set this season. The Tommies took a set from then-No. 11 Minnesota on Aug. 31, the first set victory against a ranked opponent in program history.

While the Cyclones are favored in this matchup, they have lost their last two matches, while the Tommies have won five straight.

These teams have met once before. In 2021, Iowa State swept St. Thomas in the same building as part of the Diet Coke Classic. The only active player from that match is Iowa State redshirt senior defensive specialist Paula Krzeslak. She has appeared in 94 matches across her Cyclone career.

Both head coaches have led their programs for more than 20 years. Christy Johnson-Lynch is in her 21st season with Iowa State, and Thanh Pham is in his 23rd season at St. Thomas. Pham coached the Tommies to a Division III national championship in 2012, while Johnson-Lynch has guided Iowa State to two Division I regional finals (2008, 2011).

“We never want to take the day for granted,” Johnson-Lynch said. “So we’re excited to get up there and get going.”

St. Thomas will play Iowa State at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Maturi Pavilion and will stream on ESPN+. The winner will advance to face either No. 4 seed Minnesota or Fairfield in the second round Saturday.



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Pilots Open Indoor Season at BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener

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December 5, 2025

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Event: BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener
Host: Boston University
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2024
Location: Boston University Track and Tennis Center (Boston, Mass.)
Live Results: PortlandPilots.com
Live Video: PortlandPilots.com
 
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & PILOTS’ ENTRIES
• Women’s Mile: 9 a.m (PT) | Rose Perotin
• Men’s 3000m: 11:40 a.m (PT) | Mark Milner
• Men’s 5000m: 4:15 p.m (PT) | Jonas Price
 
THIS WEEK
• The Pilots are set to compete at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener, hosted by Boston University in Boston. They will be represented in three events.
• Live results and video streaming are available on PortlandPilots.com.
 

Get Your Tickets Now!
Secure your spot now for any upcoming Portland Pilots ticketed home event by visiting PortlandPilots.com/Tickets or by downloading the Portland Pilots App. For group and fan experience package information, email pilotsboxoffice@up.edu.
 
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a contribution to the Pilot Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift directly helps our nearly 300 student-athletes as they strive to make a difference in our community and achieve academic and athletic excellence. Thank you for support of Pilot Athletics!
 
Follow Along With the Action
Get the latest news and information about your favorite University of Portland athletic programs by visiting PortlandPilots.com. You can also follow along for the most dynamic coverage and team-centric content by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.



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Craig Announces 2025-26 Track & Field Schedule

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December 5, 2025

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ROCK HILL, S.C. — Winthrop Track & Field Head Coach Raffael Craig has unveiled the Eagles 2025-26 indoor and outdoor schedule on Friday, outlining a slate that begins in early December and runs through the end of May. 

“I’m proud of the work they have all put in,” said Craig. “This first meet will be a good opportunity to see where we are at heading into the holiday season.” 

The Eagles open the indoor season on Dec. 7 at the Visit Winston-Salem College Kick-Off in Winston-Salem, N.C. Winthrop continues at the Gamecock Opener on Jan. 10 in Columbia, S.C., followed by three meets in Tryon, the Tryon International Classic (Jan. 16-17), the Tryon College Banked Invitational – East Coast Elite (Jan. 30), and the Tryon Mid-Winter Collegiate Invite (Feb. 13-14). 

The Big South Conference Indoor Championship is scheduled for Feb. 27-28 in Tryon. 

Outdoor competition begins with the Big South vs. Southern Conference Challenge on Mar. 20-21 in Asheville, N.C. Winthrop will also compete at the Raleigh Relays (Mar. 26-27) and the VertKlasse Meeting (Apr. 2-3) in High Point, N.C. 

The program will host the annual Winthrop Invitational on Apr. 17-18 at the Irwin Belk Complex. The regular season concludes at the Lenoir-Rhyne Open on Apr. 25 in Hickory, N.C. 

The Big South Conference Outdoor Championship is set for May 11-13 in High Point, N.C. Qualifiers will advance to the NCAA Championships East First Round, held on May 27-30 in Lexington, Ky. 



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Broncos Produce Strong Results in Season-Opening Meet

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December 5, 2025

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ALLENDALE, Mich. — Despite having just four student-athletes in action, the Western Michigan track and field team was able to post some strong results at the GVSU Holiday Open earlier today. 

Laurine Elisa Marimon stole the show, earning the sixth best triple jump mark in program history. She finished the meet with a top leap of 12.07 meters. The meet was her first in the Brown and Gold. 

Sierra Sommers also impressed in her college debut, competing in both the shot put and weight throw. She opened the meet with a weight throw mark of 12.87 meters. She followed that up with a throw of 14.14 meters in the shot put. That was good enough to win the event and just missed a top-10 mark in program history. 

Mickaliliah Vassell made her WMU debut by racing in both the 60-meter dash and 60-meter hurdles. She crossed the finish line in a time of 7.89 in the 60m and earned a time of 9.19 in the 60m hurdles. 

To conclude the meet, Shannon Gillahan was great in her season debut. She was able to produce a time of 11:07.28 in the 3000-meter run. 

UP NEXT

The Broncos will be off until the start of the new year. WMU will be back in action at the Wolverine Invite on Jan. 10. 

 



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