Class of 2001

Allan Berman
Palatine

Al Berman began his wrestling coaching career in 1967, where he started the Grove Junior High wrestling program in Elk Grove. In 1969 Al assumed the position as an assistant at Palatine High School. He was as a freshman coach for 8 eight years and then became the Junior Varsity coach in 1977. He served in that capacity until 1994. During that period his combined record was 328 wins, 78 losses, and 6 ties. His teams had undefeated streaks of 53 straight dual wins from 1977-1980 and 58 consecutive dual wins from 1987-1989. Al served as an assistant and provided continuity to the program at Palatine as he worked under four head coaches. The 1987 and 1990 Palatine teams placed 4th in the Dual Team State Tournament. Palatine qualified for the State Dual Team Tournament in 1988.

Al was the tournament manager for 2 Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships, three I.H.S.A. Regional Tournaments and one I.H.S.A. Sectional Tournament. He was the tournament manager for 25 Palatine Holiday Wrestling Tourneys, from 1969-1994. In 1972, Al expanded the tournament from 8 teams to 16 teams and introduced its double elimination format. The Palatine Holiday Tournament was renamed the "Berman Holiday Wrestling Classic" in 1993 to honor Al and Sally Berman for their contributions to Palatine wrestling and to the holiday tournament. The Palatine Tournament, "Berman Holiday Wrestling Classic", which began in 1954, is the second oldest wrestling tournament in the state of Illinois. The State Individual Tournament is the only older, continuously held tournament.

In addition, Al has worked as a matchmaker, timer, and Assistant Head Bench Official at the Individual State Tournament. In 1984 he was selected by the I.W.C.O.A. as Class AA Assistant Coach of the Year. He was nominated once again for this award in 1988.