Early years

Chicago days

Al was born in Chicago, attended the historic Lane Tech High School and the University of Illinois Chicago, where he was named UIC Athlete of the Year in 1958 for Cross Country, Swimming and Track.
Lane Tech High School
University Of Illinois Chicago at Navy Pier
Al receiving Athlete of the Year for 1957-58 from Coach Sneddon; (rt.) In 1999, he was inducted into the UIC Hall of Fame (here with Coach Sneddon, forty years later). At the awards ceremony in 1999, Sneddon said, "Alan was the most versatile athlete in my fourteen years as Track and Field coach."
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 1957-1958 and UIC HALL OF FAME 1999
The award is the highest honor that may be given a UIC athlete. At the time, he was one of only six UIC athletes to be awarded letters for participation in three sports. Captain in his freshman and junior years for the cross country team, Nestlinger was chosen as the Most Valuable Runner. On the swimming team, he developed into the squad's fastest breaststroker. He was the number one hurdler and miler for the track team.
Hurdler, and Lifeguard Captain for Chicago Park District. After UIC, He served in the U.S. Army in Germany