DR. EDWARD EICHELBERGER ’56 was Gerry Leeman’s first national champion and one of the top pinners in NCAA history.  A native Virginian, Eddie adopted a new move developed by Granby High mentor, Billy Martin. “The Granby Roll” became common but Ike was the first to use it for back points, giving referees fits with its innovation. “Ike” decked 15 of his first 19 opponents (incl. freshmen) into his first EIWA Tourney.  In 59 varsity bouts, his 63% pin rate is Lehigh’s best; his 37 pins ranks 2^nd. Competing at 137/147 in tourneys, he once moved up to 157 to pin Syracuse’s defending NCAA 2^nd at 157, Ed Rooney. Eddie (55-3-1 career) was Lehigh’s first of five 2-time NCAA titlists, winning at 147. He was second at 137 in ‘54 to legendary three-time NCAA champ, Myron Roderick, Oklahoma State, who edged Ike at the 1956 Olympic Trials (139).

      One of three LU All-American electrical engineering majors,  Ike added a Princeton master’s and PhD in E.E.  He earned many patents and became an IBM Fellow while designing and testing semi-conductors. After retiring in 1994, he enjoys sailing with wife, Patsy, in Suffolk, VA.