Pat Santoro: Wrestling, Growth, and the Pursuit of Excellence - Go Earn It Ep. 40

Lehigh head wrestling coach Pat Santoro joined the show to discuss his journey as an athlete and mentor. A two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American at Pitt, Santoro reflected on the mental and physical growth that defined his wrestling career, from early struggles in high school to his breakthrough moments at Blair Academy and Pitt. He emphasized the importance of courage, belief, and embracing challenges, recounting how pivotal mindset shifts fueled his success. Santoro also shared his philosophy on developing athletes, stressing the value of enjoying the sport and continuously learning, both on and off the mat.

In addition to wrestling insights, Santoro delved into personal stories, such as his connection to faith and how it shaped his life during college. He highlighted the influence of mentors like Rande Stottlemyer and celebrated the camaraderie of his Pitt teammates. Santoro’s passion for wrestling extends to his current role at Lehigh, where he inspires his team to “lay it on the line” and embrace every opportunity. With reflections on dual meets, rule changes, and the evolving nature of the sport, the conversation offered a compelling glimpse into Santoro’s impact as a coach and leader.