BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Lehigh head coach Pat Santoro has announced the addition of Sammy Sasso to the Mountain Hawks' coaching staff. A high school standout at nearby Nazareth Area High School, Sasso returns to the Lehigh Valley following an outstanding career at Ohio State where he was the ninth four-time All-American in Buckeye wrestling history.

"We're thrilled to officially welcome Sammy to the Lehigh Wrestling family," Santoro said. "We've known him for a long time, and I've always been a big fan of his. Our program has a lot of momentum right now, and bringing Sammy on board only adds to that excitement. He has one of the best minds in the sport and a rare ability to connect with people. He brings passion, perspective, and energy that will add tremendous value to our team, both on and off the mat."

Sasso amassed a 106-19 career record for Ohio State, including a 52-7 mark in dual meet competition. He was a four-time Big Ten finalist at 149, winning titles in 2021 and 2023. In four trips to the NCAA Tournament, Sasso was seeded no worse than fourth at 149. He was seeded third in 2020, earning first team NWCA All-America honors after the championship's cancellation. Sasso was the NCAA runner-up at 149 in both 2021 and 2023 and finished fifth at the NCAA Championships in 2022.

Injuries cost Sasso the 2023-24 season, with Sasso returning to action for his final year of eligibility in 2024-25. He went 12-7 competing at 157 and 165 for Ohio State and while successfully overcoming injuries to return to the mat, was unable to crack the Buckeyes' postseason lineup.

Prior to his time at Ohio State, Sasso was a two-time PIAA AAA state champion who finished in the top three at the state tournament in all four years (2nd, 3rd, 1st, 1st) for Nazareth. Sasso went 180-11 in his high school career, including 135-3 in his final three seasons. He won championships at the prestigious Ironman, Super 32, Beast of the East and Flo Nationals tournaments.

In freestyle, Sasso won a junior national title in Fargo, N.D. and while at Ohio State won a UWW Junior National championship in 2019.

Sasso earned his degree in sport industry from Ohio State.