Alan Cartwright

Class of 2017

Oak Park River Forest and University of Nebraska Omaha

Alan was coached by Hall of Famer Fred Arkin and Eddie Baker to the1992 IKWF State Championship. Alan wrestled for 4 years for Hall of Famers Niall Collins and Norm Parker at Oak Park River Forest H.S. Alan was a four time regional champion, two time sectional champion and a three time state qualifier. Alan was a two time all-state wrestler placing 3rd in 1995 and 2nd in 1996. Alan wrestled in the summer as well, where he was a Cadet Freestyle State Champion and a Junior National Freestyle state qualifier. Throughout his high school career, Alan compiled 150 wins and held the all-time win record for Oak Park River Forest High School until it was broken by Olympian wrestler Ellis Coleman in 2009. Alan was also nominated for Academic All-State.

Alan began his college career at Triton Junior College where he redshirted and wrestled one year for Harry McGinnis, where he was a Junior College All-American in 1998, placing 7th in the nation. For these accomplishment Alan Cartwright was named Male Athlete of the Year at Triton Junior College in 1998 and as an Academic All-American.

Alan went on to wrestle for National Hall of Famer Coach Michael Denney and former Olympic Greco Roman Coach Roy Oliver at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. While there, he compiled 30-win seasons over each of 3 seasons. Alan also qualified for the Division II National Tournament each of his 3 years. Alan was a three time NCAA Division ll All-American placing 7th, 6th and 4th.. Alan was also an NCAA Academic All-American.

After graduating with a degree in Exercise Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Alan went on to graduate from a three-year program at Governors State University in Illinois with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. Following his college career, he continued coaching at the high school level in Nebraska and Illinois. Alan currently practices and manages several Physical Therapy Clinics in the Chicagoland area and is giving back with physical therapy advice to student athletes and aging retired coaches (especially his father and his uncle Jim).