Lehigh Mountain Hawks

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The Lehigh Mountain Hawks are Lehigh University’s 23 varsity teams, based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Patriot League. Lehigh’s football team plays in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

History and nicknames
Lehigh was founded in 1865. The teams were known as the Engineers for many years, but the Mountain Hawks nickname was adopted in the mid-1990s. The mascot was officially named Clutch in 2008. The school’s colors are brown and white.

Rivalries and tradition
Lehigh has a famous football rivalry with Lafayette College, known as The Rivalry. As of 2023, the two teams have met 159 times. The Marching 97 is Lehigh’s student-run marching band and is a beloved part of game days.

Where teams play
- Football: Goodman Stadium
- Basketball: Stabler Arena
- Wrestling: Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall (often called “The Snakepit”)
- Soccer: Ulrich Field (in the Ulrich Sports Complex)
- Other venues include J. David Walker Field, the Goodman Campus facilities, and related athletic venues around campus.

Notable teams and successes
- Football: Lehigh has won multiple Patriot League championships and has appeared in several FCS playoffs (1980, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2011).
- Men’s basketball: The program is known for its 2012 upset of Duke in the NCAA Tournament, when a 15-seed defeated a 2-seed in the first round. Lehigh also won the Patriot League title in 2010.
- Baseball and softball: The teams have won Patriot League titles (notably 2015) and softball earned a 2022 NCAA regional bid.
- Soccer: Both men’s and women’s teams compete at a high level in the Patriot League, with historic seasons like the men’s perfect league record in 2006.
- Lacrosse: Lehigh has a long-standing tradition in lacrosse and has contributed to the sport’s growth in Pennsylvania.
- Wrestling: The program has a storied history with many conference and national achievements; the team competes in the EIWA and has produced numerous champions and All-Americans.

The Marching 97
Lehigh’s marching band, the Marching 97, is student-run and known for its fun traditions, including the Eco-flame during the Lafayette game. The band has performed at notable venues and events, including Carnegie Hall and London’s New Year’s Parade.