The future of Lock Haven wrestling is rising, fueled by a powerful legacy, the unwavering support of its alumni and fans, and a renewed commitment to the student-athletes who will carry that tradition forward.
On Oct. 9, Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF) announced a $50,000 gift from Commonwealth University President Jeff Osgood to The Rise, the campaign for Lock Haven wrestling, helping push the fundraising initiative beyond its $3.5 million goal two years ahead of its original 2028 target.
Professor Emerita Paula “Sandy” Bell broke barriers in tech and higher ed long before it was common—but a single moment of connection inspired her to pioneer something new: the future of women's wrestling at The Haven.
Now, through a powerful, new scholarship, Sandy is helping the next generation of women rise—on the mat and beyond.
Rodger Cook '67 never sought the spotlight—but his quiet leadership, championship legacy, and lifelong love of Lock Haven wrestling left a lasting impact. Now, through the Rodger Cook ’67 Memorial Wrestling Scholarship, his influence lives on—empowering the next generation of Bald Eagles to lead with integrity, on and off the mat.
When Mike Nauman '80 arrived at Lock Haven State College (now Commonwealth University-Lock Haven) in 1976, he was a small-town kid with no expectations - just a passion for wrestling and a willingness to work hard. Nearly five decades later, Nauman is proudly supporting the next generations of Bald Eagle wrestlers through a recent endowed gift to the Lock Haven University Foundation to establish the Mike Nauman '80 Men's Wrestling Scholarship.
For Jim Schuster ‘76, Lock Haven Wrestling wasn’t just a sport, it was a lifeline at a time he needed one most. From a young athlete whose football dreams were dashed to a record-breaking wrestler at Lock Haven State College, Jim’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of wrestling in the one and only, Mat-Town, USA.
Now, Jim and his wife, Ann Marie, are excited to provide support for the next generation of Bald Eagle wrestlers to experience their own life-changing journeys, after recently making a transformative six-figure gift to The Rise campaign—an ambitious $3.5 million fundraising effort to endow Lock Haven’s world-renowned collegiate wrestling program.
Lock Haven wrestling is set to soar into the future following the public launch of "The Rise," a campaign to raise $3.5 million to propel the Bald Eagles' nationally ranked men's and women's wrestling programs to their greatest heights yet.
Dr. Ed Shifflett, Ph.D, a 1996 alumnus of Lock Haven University, and his wife, Dr. Gretchen Shifflett, DVM, recently provided a transformative endowment to the men's wrestling program at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven. Their major gift aims to provide increased scholarship funding to further propel "The Rise" of the Bald Eagles' nationally renowned wrestling program.
In the heart of Mat-Town, USA, where wrestling pride runs deep, former Lock Haven State College (LHSC) wrestler, George Way ’78, stands as a proud testament to the program’s rich and storied history. Way, and his wife , Pam, recently endowed the George and Pam Way Wrestling Scholarship through the Lock Haven University Foundation, signaling a powerful commitment to Lock Haven’s nationally-ranked wrestling program; a commitment they hope will inspire fellow alumni to follow suit by investing in the program.
