Lehigh Sports Forum

Haven't visited here much since the old wrestling report shutdown years ago, but I stumbled across this old interview with Eddie Eichelberger and thought some of the old timers might enjoy it. Maybe it's been posted before but I can't remember having seen it. It is eight years old now.

He talks about Lehigh, wrestling, and his early career beginning around the 4 minute mark. The theme of the interview is obviously oriented towards computer technology, but he spends a fair amount of time at the beginning talking about his youth and college time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpSjIs9MdR8

Ike was very accomplished in everything he did. Thanks for sharing.

Great interview. I never knew Billy Martin was high high school coach. Interesting interview on how he got started in wrestling and how he connected with Lehigh his sophomore year in AAU.

When LEHIGH was referred to as THE-ENGINEERS!

He an Kirk Pendleton pre-dated my becoming a Lehigh fan, but both were exceptional on/off the mat.

Smart boy obviously,.. and his "timing" for entry level into the computer field was perfect, as he acknowledged. Listened to the entire video, and other than his wrestling,..I didn't understand a damn thing!

THANKS for posting..

Apparently Billy Martin Sr learned his lessons from Sprig Gardner very well. In addition to Eichelberger going 3 for 3 in NCAA finals and winning twice, another Granby product was winning 2 titles for Navy: Pete Blair.

He wrestled on horsehair mats and never lifted a weight.

Oracle wrote: ↑Fri May 26, 2023 9:49 pm Apparently Billy Martin Sr learned his lessons from Sprig Gardner very well. In addition to Eichelberger going 3 for 3 in NCAA finals and winning twice, another Granby product was winning 2 titles for Navy: Pete Blair.

How did he ever connect with Sprig Gardner?

Undoubtedly through Gerry Leeman who was recruiting Mepham wrestlers.

Oracle wrote: ↑Fri May 26, 2023 9:49 pm Apparently Billy Martin Sr learned his lessons from Sprig Gardner very well. In addition to Eichelberger going 3 for 3 in NCAA finals and winning twice, another Granby product was winning 2 titles for Navy: Pete Blair.

I think Martin also coached Gray Simons, George Radman, and Freddy Powell, which gives him five NCAA champs from his high school team. Several of those named were Outstanding wrestler selections at NCAAs also.

Probably puts him in the top five hs coaches, especially if you separate the modern era with schools like Blair and other places that can recruit.

5 wrestlers but 9 total titles.