Al Nichols Kwenortey

Al Nichols Kwenortey C/O 1965: Most Memorable LB Poly Football Experience: “Playing on the ’63 – ’64 teams who went 11-0, running for 295yds vs. Santa Barbara, and playing in front of 85,000 people at the Coliseum in the Shrine Game.”

Al Nichols Kwenortey exudes a silent confidence and nobility that is evident to all who come in contact with him. His dedication and enthusiasm towards teamwork have propelled him excellence in both athletics and professional endeavors.

As an athlete at Poly, Nichols was a triple threat. He dominated the field, the court, and the track as he lettered in Varsity Track, Basketball and Football.

During his senior year on the football team he was named 1st Team All-American, 1st Team All-Moore League, 1st Team All-CIF, LB Poly Player of the Year, Team MVP, Moore League Co-Player of the Year, and he was selected to play in the North/South Shrine game.

As a Jackrabbit football player Nichols ran almost 1700yds in one season, averaged 155yds per game (up the middle), and ran for an amazing 295yds vs. Santa Barbara. As a basketball athlete at Poly, Nichols was a part of the ‘64-‘65 Back to Back CIF and Moore League Championship teams. His track accomplishments are equally impressive and it is clear why he was recognized as the most inspirational team member; he was the first African-American to run the 800M at Poly, broke numerous records, ran barefoot, was voted 1st Team All-Moore League, 1st Team All-CIF, and was a member of the ‘63-‘65 Back to Back Moore League Championship team as well as the nationally recognized LB Poly ’65 track team.

During his senior year Nichols was inundated with scholarship offers from several Division I colleges for his stellar football ability. After signing a letter of intent with USC, he decided that he would be more comfortable beginning his collegiate career at LBCC. He later transferred to the University of Hawaii where he went on to continue his legacy of athletic greatness.

Al Nichols Kwenortey’s silent confidence and nobility has transcended athletics and become the basis for his work throughout the City of LB. He has worked as a mentor at the LB Teen Center and Community Improvement Leagues. His work in establishing equal education programs for minority students led to the establishment of the African American Studies program at CSULB.

Al currently resides in Long Beach, CA and is a retired athletic coach and employee of Georgia Pacific Building Materials. He has two sons and two grandchildren. He continues to mentor young men throughout the community and credits his accomplishments to team efforts and dismisses his individual role in his athletic and professional successes. For his nobility and service to the public, it is our privilege to induct Albert Nichols Kwenortey to the LB Poly Football Hall of Fame.

Back