Brian Kurlander (2018) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

Brian Kurlander

Induction:
2018

Brian Kurlander was JMU's first NCAA Division I All-American Wrestler. From Brighton High School in Rochester, New York, Kurlander made an immediate impact on the wrestling program as a freshman, amassing an unprecedented 31 wins and earning Freshman All-America status by Amateur Wrestling News. Over the course of his four years as a varsity starter (1984-1988), Brian recorded 112 wins, tied for second in program history. He helped lead JMU wrestling to an Eastern Region Conference Championship and Virginia Intercollegiate State Championship. Individually, he was a two-time Virginia intercollegiate state champion, an Eastern Region conference champion, and a two-time NCAA Division I National Championship qualifier (1987, 1988). While competing for JMU, Kurlander was an Olympic hopeful and represented Team USA in the Espior Greco-Roman World-Championships.