South Mountain Way Launches Two Programs to Assist Lehigh University Wrestlers
BETHLEHEM, PA (March 25, 2024) South Mountain Way, a community of passionate alumni and Lehigh University wrestling supporters, has formally launched two initiatives. One program will be focused on empowering wrestlers to optimize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The second initiative will offer educational and leadership opportunities which will foster lasting relationships and contribute positively to Lehigh University and Lehigh Valley communities.
“Lehigh alumni have always been devoted to supporting the educational goals of the Lehigh Athletics experience, which fundamentally ensure that our athletes are prepared for leadership throughout their post-collegiate lives”, said Director of Athletics Joe Sterrett. “Our alumni recognize the value athletes can derive from engaging in the service of their community and their sport as a way of practicing leadership.”
South Mountain Way’s objective is not only to assist Lehigh’s wrestlers in establishing their personal brand but also to offer opportunities for the cultivation of essential leadership and life skills. Our focus is to ensure that upon graduation from Lehigh, wrestlers are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in the future. “I am excited about the establishment of South Mountain Way for Lehigh wrestling. With this innovative blend of both NIL opportunities and leadership development, I believe our wrestlers will have ample possibilities to leverage their individual brands through Name, Image, and Likeness, all while advancing their growth as leaders on and off the mat,” said Pat Santoro, Lawrence E. White '64 Head Wrestling Coach.
Founded on core tenets of transparency, compliance, collaboration and positive community relations, South Mountain Way has attracted a distinguished group of Lehigh alumni to help counsel and advise these initiatives, including Cliff Chapman ‘91, Jim Reilly ‘84, Jeff Newman ‘83, Jeff Turner ‘83, and Pete Yozzo ‘87.
South Mountain Way is not affiliated with Lehigh University and is a third- party specifically established to collaborate with Lehigh University wrestlers in exploring opportunities related to name, image, and likeness as student-athletes, as well as providing engagement in community service. Those affiliated with South Mountain Way act as ambassadors for the group, and all initiatives are crafted to adhere to NCAA regulations, State of Pennsylvania legislation, and University policies.
