Securing the future: Couple endows wrestling scholarship through Lock Haven University Foundation

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. The scholarship signals 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.

From donning the LHSC uniform in the ’70s, on his way to two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships, to his stellar high school coaching career that culminated with his 2024 induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Way has remained closely connected to the Mat-Town, USA family for nearly five decades.

For Way, wearing Lock Haven crimson was always more than a uniform – It was a badge of honor connecting him to a wrestling tradition that for more than 80 years has turned committed Bald Eagles into champions on the mat and in life.

That tradition carries on under the leadership of current head coach Scott Moore who has led the Bald Eagles to back-to-back Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships and numerous ranked finishes during his tenure.

Yet, the challenges facing college sports today are stark. Drawing from his insights as the former scholastic director with the National Wrestling Coaches Association, Way foresees an increase in financial constraints that small college athletic programs like Lock Haven are already grappling with.

In an era of conference consolidation, NIL (Name. Image. Likeness) deals, and an ever-changing competitive collegiate landscape, securing the future of Lock Haven wrestling now is paramount according to Way. With enough alumni and friends giving back to the program, Way believes the Bald Eagles will have the resources and the coaching staff to attract increased blue-chip talent to The Haven and remain a perennial Top-20 national contender.

Reflecting on his own life-changing experience as an Lock Haven wrestler, Way encourages fellow alumni to consider the impact Lock Haven wrestling had on their lives and join him in supporting the program.

"For 80 years, Lock Haven wrestlers have gone on to achieve great things. As alumni, we are part of a powerful brotherhood, a fraternity that spans generations,” Way said. “Through increased support, we can propel the tradition forward, ensuring that Lock Haven wrestling continues producing outstanding individuals who go on to make significant impacts not only in the wrestling world, but in their families, careers, communities and more.”

“Lock Haven was a game-changer for me, and the successful careers so many of our alumni have had are amazing,” he added. “If we can help remove some financial barriers, we can create more of the same game-changing experiences for future Lock Haven wrestlers.”   

The George and Pam Way Wrestling Scholarship serves as a poignant ode to Mat-Town, USA, encapsulating a legacy of team and individual achievements, decades of loyal support, and a rallying cry for Lock Haven wrestling alumni to band together to seize the program’s future. 

Anyone interested supporting “The Rise” of Lock Haven Wrestling can donate securely online at www.givetolhu.com. To learn more about major gifts, planned giving or establishing a scholarship with the Lock Haven University Foundation, contact LHUF executive director, Ashley Koser, at 570-484-2128.