Roger S. Penske/Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame
Gratto, Dr. Joseph M.
Dr. Joseph M. Gratto
- Induction:
- 1998
- Class:
- 1958
Dr. Joe Gratto was always a leader, both on and off the mat. He captained the 1957 and 1958 wrestling teams and was a honors student and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. One of Lehigh's wrestling national champions, Gratto has continued his excellence way beyond his time as a student at Lehigh as he went on to serve as a professor and the president emeritus of Potomac State College.
A 137-pound wrestler during his grappling years, Gratto posted an impressive career record of 51-6-1 and won the 1957 NCAA title while placing fourth the previous year. Gratto deflects much of the credit he has earned.
“One person I have to recognize is Gerry Leeman,” Gratto said. “He contributed so much to my Lehigh experience in so many ways. He was a great respecter of his athletes as wrestlers and as young men.”
Gratto's boasted a career winning percentage of .888 and made three finals appearances at the EIWA Championships. He posted titles in 1956 and 1958 and was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the 1958 Easterns.
“I was always glad to be able to wrestle on Saturdays,” Gratto said. “It gave me a chance to actually win after a week in the practice room with the team. They were such a competitive group.” Gratto's 20 career falls in 58 collegiate matches is also among Lehigh’s all-time best.
“In addition to Coach Leeman, there were so many others at Lehigh who helped push me to my potential,” Gratto said. “I wish there was an academic hall of fame for those professors who encouraged me and showed me what a true scholar is.
Following graduation, Dr. Gratto served in the Marines and fought in Vietnam prior to his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1979. In 1983, Dr. Gratto earned his Ph.D. from Emory University and later served as a Dean at the DeVry Institute of Technology in Atlanta from 1983-87. Following his stay at DeVry, Gratto served as the President of Potomac State College from 1987-1994 and is later served as a professor there.
Gratto and his wife, Barbara Carrell Brown have two daughters, Katherine and Susan.
A 137-pound wrestler during his grappling years, Gratto posted an impressive career record of 51-6-1 and won the 1957 NCAA title while placing fourth the previous year. Gratto deflects much of the credit he has earned.
“One person I have to recognize is Gerry Leeman,” Gratto said. “He contributed so much to my Lehigh experience in so many ways. He was a great respecter of his athletes as wrestlers and as young men.”
Gratto's boasted a career winning percentage of .888 and made three finals appearances at the EIWA Championships. He posted titles in 1956 and 1958 and was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the 1958 Easterns.
“I was always glad to be able to wrestle on Saturdays,” Gratto said. “It gave me a chance to actually win after a week in the practice room with the team. They were such a competitive group.” Gratto's 20 career falls in 58 collegiate matches is also among Lehigh’s all-time best.
“In addition to Coach Leeman, there were so many others at Lehigh who helped push me to my potential,” Gratto said. “I wish there was an academic hall of fame for those professors who encouraged me and showed me what a true scholar is.
Following graduation, Dr. Gratto served in the Marines and fought in Vietnam prior to his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1979. In 1983, Dr. Gratto earned his Ph.D. from Emory University and later served as a Dean at the DeVry Institute of Technology in Atlanta from 1983-87. Following his stay at DeVry, Gratto served as the President of Potomac State College from 1987-1994 and is later served as a professor there.
Gratto and his wife, Barbara Carrell Brown have two daughters, Katherine and Susan.
Field Hockey vs. LIU
Sunday, September 28
Mountain Hawk Talk - S2 EP2 - Volleyball
Friday, September 26
Lehigh Sports Central: Field Hockey
Wednesday, September 24
2025 Brown & Flight - Episode 1
Thursday, September 18
