MICHAEL J. CARUSO, Lehigh ’67 remains Lehigh’s most renowned wrestler, the lynchpin of the “Terrific Trio” that reached the NCAA finals six of nine entries. A rarity who never lost in any high school or college tourney, Mike’s 1965-66 team averaged 3,940 in an arena built for 2,800. His last EIWA finals (at Penn) set a league high (7,918) that remains Top 4 nationally. There were countless media features, like Newsweek, Sports Illustrated and The New York Times.  Mike was called Bantam Rooster or Mighty Mouse by supporters or “that cocky Caruso” by rivals. His HS and college record was 141-1; he avenged the loss by beating Army’s Bob Steenlage at the 1966 NCAAs. Mike had one freshman loss (Army’s Garth Fowler), which he avenged, 10-1. One of the top rivalries was with Michigan’s Bob Fehrs, the only duo to meet in three straight NCAA finals. The bouts ended 8-5; 9-6; 8-7.

      Caruso is Lehigh’s sole 3-time National champion and one of four from the EIWA. His win pct of .983 (57-1) ranks 9^th all-time (50+ bouts). His 50 straight wins is Lehigh’s best. Mike made Bethlehem his home after growing up in Newark, NJ.

      A successful entrepreneur in life insurance, he built Caruso Benefits Group to offer benefits to individuals and top companies. Selling it to National Penn Insurance in 2008, he enjoys breeding horses in Maryland. A generous contributor to Lehigh and wrestling, the program’s spectacular new Caruso Complex is named for him. Two of his few losses in life were major ones, losing his father while an LU freshman and his beloved wife, Sandye, after 33 years of marriage.