Hall of Fame

THOMAS PILLARI
Inducted 1996

A native of Bayville, NY, Tom Pillari wrestled at Binghamton from 1982-85. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 1985.
A two-time All-American and one of three BU national champions, Pillari led the 1984 Colonials to the school's best-ever national finish in any sport - third in the country. In front of a home West Gym crowd, Pillari capped his junior season with five straight wins to capture the 177-pound championship. Pillari allowed just four points in five NCAA matches, scoring a 4-3 decision in the finals. That year, he also captured titles at both the New York State and SUNYAC Championships, and finished the season with a perfect 12-0 dual mark and an overall record of 28-4.
A three-time team captain, Pillari earned his first All-America honor in 1982, placing fifth at 167 pounds. He also was one of BU's most successful wrestlers at the all-division New York State tournament, adding two runner-up finishes to his 1984 championship.
Pillari was Binghamton's "Athlete of the Year" in 1984 and the school's Jake Pitler Award recipient in 1985. In his four-year career, he lost two dual matches, amassing 37 wins for a record-winning percentage of .925. A model student-athlete, Pillari was named the SUNYAC "Men's Scholar-Athlete of the Year" in 1984 and also was an Academic All-American that same year.