Roger S. Penske/Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame
Ben L. Bishop*
- Induction:
- 1993
- Class:
- 1934
Lehigh’s storied wrestling history began with a man who is recognized by many as the finest wrestler of the billion Sheridan era (1912 through 1952). Ben Bishop concluded a brilliant career by winning the NCAA 155-pound championship in 1934. He was also voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler at that season's championship tournament.
A two-time EIWA title winner in both 1932 and 1934, Bishop served as an alternate on the 1936 United States Olympic team. His 36-4 career record and 23-1 record in dual meets rank's him behind only Mike Caruso and Kirk Pendleton with a .958 winning percentage. Bishop was a powerful wrestler as he won 17 of his 24 dual matches by fall.
Overall his performance is equally as impressive as he was victorious in 26 of 40 matches by fall. Bishop pinned eight straight opponents in the 1933-34 season for a Lehigh record equaled only by Mark Lieberman in the 1978-79 campaign.
At Lehigh, Bishop also played soccer and football. In addition, he served as a member and officer in numerous campus clubs and societies including the National Honor Society. He was also president of his class in both his junior and senior year.
Upon graduation from Lehigh with a B.A. degree in chemistry, Bishop joined Bethlehem Steel where he spent 42 years until retiring in 1976. He received the Keystone Award presented by the Boys Club and the Distinguished Service Award presented by Lehigh University’s Home Club.
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A two-time EIWA title winner in both 1932 and 1934, Bishop served as an alternate on the 1936 United States Olympic team. His 36-4 career record and 23-1 record in dual meets rank's him behind only Mike Caruso and Kirk Pendleton with a .958 winning percentage. Bishop was a powerful wrestler as he won 17 of his 24 dual matches by fall.
Overall his performance is equally as impressive as he was victorious in 26 of 40 matches by fall. Bishop pinned eight straight opponents in the 1933-34 season for a Lehigh record equaled only by Mark Lieberman in the 1978-79 campaign.
At Lehigh, Bishop also played soccer and football. In addition, he served as a member and officer in numerous campus clubs and societies including the National Honor Society. He was also president of his class in both his junior and senior year.
Upon graduation from Lehigh with a B.A. degree in chemistry, Bishop joined Bethlehem Steel where he spent 42 years until retiring in 1976. He received the Keystone Award presented by the Boys Club and the Distinguished Service Award presented by Lehigh University’s Home Club.
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