Former Ohio State star Sammy Sasso named assistant coach at Lehigh

Former Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso will remain involved in the sport, this time as a coach. The four-time All-American was announced as an assistant coach on the Lehigh staff on Monday.

Sasso had a lengthy wrestling career at the NCAA level, one extended by the COVID-19 pandemic and a 2023 gunshot wound that sidelined him for an entire season. He’s been through quite a bit but has remained close to the sport he loves.

“We’re thrilled to officially welcome Sammy to the Lehigh Wrestling family,” Lehigh head coach Pat Santoro said in a press release. “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.”

Sammy Sasso had put together an outstanding career at the 149 weight class before he suffered a gunshot wound in a carjacking near Ohio State in August 2023. He was hospitalized for 41 days.

He then missed an entire season of competition, returning in 2024-25 at a new weight class. He wrestled at both 157 and 165 for the Buckeyes while he overcame his injuries, going 12-7 in the process.

But at his best, Sammy Sasso was a force on the mat. He was a four-time All-American at Ohio State.

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. Sasso was the NCAA runner-up at 149 in both 2021 and 2023 and finished fifth at the NCAA Championships in 2022.

As a high school wrestler, Sammy Sasso was a two-time PIAA AAA state champion. He went 180-11 during his high school career, including 135-3 in his final three seasons.