John Cherundolo was a three sport athlete in high school in Arlington, Virginia, starring in football, wrestling and track. He was named to a number of All Star Teams in football, had an 18-1-1 wrestling record and, in track threw the discus and shot put, at one time holding the Virginia State Catholic record in both events. Recruited by Ben Schwartzwalder and Rocco Pirro (two Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame members), John was a three-year letter winner in football. He also wrestled. In 1970, John was named first team All-East offensive guard and honorable mention on several All-American teams. He played in the North-South Shrine All-Star game and the Hula Bowl. John signed a pro contract with the NFL Cleveland Browns but decided to attend law school at SU instead. He is on of three generations of D-1 football players (father, Chuck played at Penn State and John’s son J.C. played at Georgetown). While in law school, John was a graduate assistant, helping to coach the freshman offensive live and out opposing teams. A very successful lawyer, John has won numerous awards in addition to sitting on a number of legal boards and associations along with being an adjunct law professor at SU.

Throughout all his years in Syracuse, John has been actively involved in SU Athletics, sitting on the board of directors of the Varsity Club, Orange Pack, Orange Plus and the SU Athletics Board of Directors. He was instrumental in the creation of the Syracuse Football Club—a group of SU alums and former players who actively support the program. In 2009, he was named Chairman of the Athletic Board, where he regularly works with the athletic director and development group to better fund and support the school’s athletic programs. He was named a Letterwinner of Distinction at SU and has also been honored by the National Football Foundation with the Distinguished American Award. Acting Supreme Court Judge John Cherundolo and wife Betsy live in Syracuse with their three children, Allison, Leanne and J.C.