Lehigh University Athletics
Salvaterra earns Patriot League's top honor
9/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bethlehem, PA – Lehigh senior defensive back Matt Salvaterra has been named the 2002 Patriot League Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year, in an award handed out by the league’s sports information directors. Salvaterra is the fourth Lehigh football player to win the award.
Salvaterra is a dual psychology and education major, and boasts a 3.62 cumulative grade point average. He is a two-time Verizon Academic All-District selection. In December, he was named to the fifth annual Division I-AA Athletic Directors Association Academic All-Star Team. Salvaterra also earned a spot on the Patriot League’s Academic Honor Roll.
On the field, Salvaterra made the transition from cornerback to strong safety before his senior season, and he didn’t skip a beat. Despite missing three games due to injury, he still finished among the team leaders with 61 tackles. He recorded two interceptions – returning one 26 yards for a touchdown. Salvaterra forced one fumble and recovered another, and he also blocked two punts.
Salvaterra helped out on special teams as well. He returned three kicks, for an average of nearly 23 yards per return. His strong play helped him earn All-Patriot League Second Team accolades.
Prior to his injury at Holy Cross in late October, Salvaterra had started all 46 games in his career. He is also the first player in modern Lehigh football history to serve as team captain twice.
"Matt has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic both on the field and in the classroom throughout his four years as a member of the Lehigh community," said Lehigh head coach Pete Lembo. "His selection as the Patriot League's Scholar-Athlete is a very positive reflection on him and our football program. I have the utmost confidence that he will continue to represent us well as an alumnus of the University."
In his Lehigh career, Salvaterra posted a record of 41-8. He made three appearances in the NCAA playoffs, and was a part of three Patriot League championship teams.
Salvaterra joins former Lehigh greats Rob Varano (1989), Shon Harker (1990), and Nick Martucci (1998) as other Lehigh winners of the award.
For more information, contact Jeff Tourial, Lehigh Sports Media Relations.
Posted February 4, 2003.
