Al DeLeon was a two-time All-American for Mankato State College, placing second and fourth at the NCAA tournament, and wrestled in the finals of the 1964 Olympic Trials. He coached high school wrestling in Iowa for more than 30 years at Britt High School, which became West Hancock High School.

His teams won state team titles in 1971, 1972, and 1973 and finished second seven times while compiling a dual meet record of 273-138-15. Al coached three three-time state champions, six two-time state champions and five high school All-Americans. He was inducted into the Minnesota State Mavericks Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.