Wrestling with purpose: Mike Nauman ’80 establishes endowed scholarship for CU-Lock Haven wrestlers

LOCK HAVEN- 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.

“Mike’s journey from Mat-Town USA to a distinguished career in financial services leadership is a powerful testament to the impact of a Lock Haven education and the enduring values instilled through wrestling,” said Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth University president. “We are tremendously grateful for his generosity and proud to call him part of the Haven Family.”

Nauman’s gift is the newest scholarship created in conjunction with The Rise Campaign – an ambitious $3.5 million effort to fully endow Lock Haven’s nationally recognized men’s wrestling program. Along with the endowed portion of Nauman’s gift, his commitment includes additional annual payments to early-activate the scholarship, ensuring Lock Haven wrestlers are impacted immediately and in perpetuity.

“Head coach, Scott Moore, has done an incredible job elevating the Lock Haven wrestling program, and I’m honored to be able to contribute to its continued success,” Nauman said. “Wrestling gave so much to me. I’m excited to give something back. I’m giving this gift now because I strongly believe in the direction of the program.”

As a Lock Haven student-athlete, Nauman was a three-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference place winner and led the Bald Eagles in falls during one of his four seasons. Competing at 158 and 167 pounds, Nauman brought intensity and heart to every match, traits he says were shaped and refined under the leadership of Hall of Fame Lock Haven head wrestling coach, Dr. Kenneth Cox.

“I wrestled Dr. Cox’s son in high school, and that’s how I first got invited to Lock Haven,” Nauman said. “Dr. Cox coached with the person in mind – he treated you like a son. He taught life lessons that stayed with me for decades.”

Following his time at Lock Haven, Nauman went onto a 37-year career as a financial advisor and built a successful business in financial services. Through it all, the values forged during his time in Mat-Town, USA remained foundational throughout his life.

“I learned how to fight through challenges and believe that if I worked hard enough, I could succeed,” Nauman said. “That’s the perseverance and accountability that wrestling and my Lock Haven education taught me.”

Those are the same values Nauman now hopes to instill in the next generation of Lock Haven wrestlers through his scholarship.

“I hope this gift helps student-athletes have the kind of experience I had. Wrestling at Lock Haven helped shape who I am, and I want others to have that same opportunity,” Nauman said. “Investing in wrestling is a way to invest in young people and help them develop life skills that go far beyond the mat.”

“Lock Haven Wrestling is not just about making great wrestlers. It’s about making great men,” he added. “I hope this gift helps the program keep doing that for years to come.”

Through his generosity, Nauman is ensuring that the tradition of Mat-Town, USA lives on – not just in championships, but in the lives of every wrestler who dons a Lock Haven singlet with an intense passion and commitment to give their all.

“Scott is building a nationally competitive program and giving these young men exposure to the highest levels of wrestling,” Nauman said. “Now is the time for all of us to get behind him and The Rise Campaign. The sky’s the limit for this program. Let’s keep rising!”

“Mike represents the very best of what it means to be a Lock Haven wrestling alumnus – hardworking, humble and deeply committed to helping the next generation rise,” Moore said. “His legacy will be felt not only in the success of our student-athletes, but in the character and confidence they build along the way.”