CU-Lock Haven athletic training student completes full immersion experience with men's wrestling program at Lehigh University

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (07/10/2026) — Colby Petrizzo, of Orwigsburg, graduated from Commonwealth University-Lock Haven with a master's degree in athletic training. Prior to that, he completed the accelerated 3+2 pre-athletic training health sciences curriculum.

Petrizzo spent much of his time at CU-Lock Haven competing as a student-athlete, running cross country and track. His passion for athletics and interest in healthcare influenced him to pursue a career in athletic training.

Throughout his time in the athletic training master's program, Petrizzo engaged in a variety of hands-on clinical experiences that prepared him to work in dynamic athletic environments. During these experiences, he was exposed to both acute and chronic injuries, while developing skills in injury evaluation, rehabilitation and patient-centered care.

Petrizzo's final clinical placement was a full immersion experience at Lehigh University working with the men's wrestling program under the supervision of Phil Littlejohn, ATC, LAT.

Lehigh is home to one of the top wrestling programs in the NCAA, providing Petrizzo the opportunity to work with elite-level student-athletes, as well as athletes from the Lehigh Valley Regional Training Center.

During this experience, Petrizzo was responsible for evaluating and managing injuries, implementing rehabilitation programs and assisting in daily athletic training room operations. There, he gained valuable exposure to high-level competition and performance demands, while refining his clinical decision-making and communication skills.

The immersion experience also provided Petrizzo with the opportunity to witness a historic moment, as Lehigh captured the 2026 EIWA Championship, further enhancing his understanding of what it takes to support a championship-caliber program.

In addition to his clinical work, Petrizzo remained active in professional development. He attended several conferences and workshops, including the NWCA Weight Assessors Workshop (2025), PATS Symposium (2025), Commonwealth University IPE Day (2025), UPMC Athletic Training Month Workshop (2025) and the WellSpan GameChanger Conference (2025). His dedication to the profession was recognized when he was named one of the 2025 Lock Haven MSAT Outstanding Athletic Training Students.

"Getting the opportunity to complete my immersion at Lehigh University was an incredible experience," Petrizzo said. "Working with such a high-level wrestling program pushed me to grow both clinically and professionally, and it gave me confidence in my ability to succeed in a fast-paced athletic environment."

My experiences at Lock Haven have prepared me to enter the profession with strong clinical skills and a passion for helping athletes perform at their best," he added. "I'm grateful for the mentors, preceptors and student-athletes who played a role in my development."

Petrizzo is now employed by the Sports Medicine Department at CU-Lock Haven.

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Colby Petrizzo

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

CU-Lock Haven athletic training student completes full immersion experience with men's wrestling program at Lehigh University

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Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

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