Henry Wittenberg

College As a student at City College of New York he did not consider himself athletic, but the wrestling coach Joe Sapora introduced him to the sport and he took to it quickly. By his junior year, he was placing in prestigious college tournaments. In 1939, the year he graduated with a degree in education, he was the co-captain of the CCNY wrestling team together with Stanley Graze. In 1939, he was also the runner-up at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 174 pound championship.

Professional and civic life Wittenberg had a successful professional career outside of competing as an athlete. He earned a master's degree in health education at the Teachers College, Columbia University. Shortly after completing his education, around 1941 he became an officer in the New York City Police Department, winning five commendations for bravery while on the force. He married in June 1941.

Honors Wittenberg was the first inductee to the CCNY Alumni Varsity Association Hall of Fame, and was elected into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1977.