Hall of Fame
In his three years as a starter on the Rutgers-Newark basketball team, 1967-1970, Bob Castronovo led the team in scoring twice, and was second in points the other year.
He averaged nearly 16 points per game and just missed the 1,000-point career mark, finishing with an impressive 971. In addition, he piled up 600 rebounds, impressive since he wasn’t exactly a giant, coming in at 6’3 in his guard forward performances. Castronovo received honorable mention in the All-State College division in 1970.
In addition to his athletic talent on the floor he had that extra leadership ability and was team captain for two seasons.
That leadership was to blossom fully in his service as Chief Operating Officer of Giants Stadium and Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford.
During his years with the Meadowlands, Castronovo has been involved with some of the greatest events of all time. Including some 250 happenings each year, Nets, Devils, Giants, Jets, Metro Stars Soccer, Arena Football and Lacrosse.
Other highlights of his professional career include the directing of Pope John Paul II Papal Mass, the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four, the Three Tenors concert, Ice shows, and every conceivable type of concert and family entertainment.
A Clifton High School graduate and resident, he returned to his home school as a history teacher and basketball coach prior to taking on his demanding role in supervising a staff of more than 2,000 employees and an operating budget of more than $100 million.
Castronovo’s extensive contributions to sport and society got their early impetus as a future Hall of Famer on the Rutgers-Newark basketball court.
