Another of the pivotal members of the NE-10's founding fathers, Al Shields' place not in NE-10 history but Bentley College is firmly in place. Shields served as Director of Athletics from 1963-91 and was the head men's basketball coach from 1963-78.
What made his tenure even more unique and historically significant was that he was the first athletic director in the college's history as well as Bentley's first basketball coach, compiling a 258-106 record. A two-time Coach of the Year honoree, he also served on the NCAA Council.
But Al earns his rightful place among the NE-10 inductees tonight for his commitment to graciously serving as the very first commissioner of the Northeast-10 Conference, remaining in that role from its inception in 1979 until January of 1990.
During that time, the league expanded from 7 to 10 schools and from two conference championships in 1980-81, to seven a year later and to 12 championships by the 1985-86 academic year.
His vision and influence in creating the NE-10 will be forever appreciated.