Eastern Connecticut State University

At the time of induction, Vincent R. Pillari is the only All-America in the 16-year history of the men’s program.  Pillari, who gained All-America honors in the shot put in only the program’s third season on the intercollegiate level, becomes the first individual inducted for his exploits solely in the area of track and field. The Norwich native lettered three seasons on the intercollegiate level after competing for two years when the team was recognized as a club. As a junior and senior, Pillari competed in the NCAA Division III national championships, where he captured All-America honors by placing third in 1977.  At the time of induction, Pillari’s shot put mark of 54-11 remains a program record.