About

Al Fontes, widely known as "Coach Al," has a distinguished career in wrestling that spans more than four decades as a coach, editor, historian, and writer. He served as the California State Editor for the California Wrestler and contributed to major publications such as Wrestling USA, Amateur Wrestling News, and WIN Magazines.

Fontes has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the sport. He was honored with the Irv Oliner Award (California Coaches Association) and named Wrestling USA Magazine's Editor and Person of the Year in 2001. His legacy has been further cemented by his induction into two halls of fame: the California Wrestling Hall of Fame (2016) and Idaho Chapter of the National Wrestling HOF (2024).

Additionally, he was awarded the prestigious Bob Dellinger Award as the nation's top wrestling writer by Amateur Wrestling News in 2018, which is also recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He also has an extensive coaching tenure dating back to 1981.