a young kid from Peru steps onto the bustling campus of Lehigh University, eyes wide with dreams and a heart full of grit. That kid was Augie Martinez, and his story at Lehigh is nothing short of inspiring. From tearing it up on the athletic fields to shaping lives as a coach and mentor, Augie has woven himself into the fabric of this Bethlehem, Pennsylvania community. His journey is one of hustle, heart, and a relentless drive to lift others up while chasing his own goals. This isn’t just about one man’s achievements—it’s about how one person can spark change that echoes for generations.
Augie Martinez’s name is practically a legend at Lehigh. As a student-athlete, he tackled Division I sports and tough academics with equal fire. As a coach and leader, he’s poured his soul into building programs that don’t just win games but shape lives. His story is a masterclass in balancing passion with purpose, and it’s packed with lessons for anyone looking to make their mark. Whether it’s his knack for connecting with students or his bold ideas that push boundaries, Augie’s impact is felt everywhere—from the track to the lecture halls.
In this article, we’re diving deep into Augie Martinez’s world at Lehigh. You’ll get the full scoop on his journey, from his early days as a scrappy immigrant kid to his game-changing roles as a coach, mentor, and innovator. We’ll break down his biggest wins, his approach to leadership, and how he’s made Lehigh a better place for everyone. Buckle up for a story that’s as human as it gets—full of heart, hustle, and a whole lot of inspiration.
The Making of Augie Martinez
A Kid with Big Dreams
Augie’s story starts far from Lehigh’s green campus. Born in Peru, he grew up in a tight-knit family where hard work wasn’t just a value—it was a way of life. His dad’s stories of overcoming tough odds stuck with him, lighting a fire that would carry him through life. As a kid, Augie was all about sports—baseball, football, wrestling, you name it. He wasn’t just playing to win; he was playing to prove something to himself and the world.
High school was where Augie’s talents really started to shine. He was a star on the field, court, and mat, catching the eye of college scouts. Lehigh University, with its mix of top-tier academics and serious athletics, felt like the right place to chase his dreams. It wasn’t just about sports for Augie—he wanted a place where he could grow as a person, not just a player. That choice to join Lehigh set the stage for everything that followed.
Facing the Odds
Moving from Peru to the U.S. wasn’t a walk in the park. Augie had to navigate a new culture, a new language, and a whole new way of doing things. There were moments of doubt, sure, but Augie didn’t let them define him. Instead, he turned challenges into fuel, learning to adapt and push forward. That resilience would become his superpower, shaping him into the leader Lehigh would come to know and love.
Shining as a Student-Athlete
Juggling Books and Balls
At Lehigh, Augie didn’t just play the game—he owned it. Being a Division I athlete while tackling a full course load is no joke, but Augie made it look almost easy. His days were a whirlwind: early morning practices, classes, more training, and late-night study sessions. Yet, he still managed to pull off stellar grades, landing on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll multiple times. He was even in the running for Academic All-American honors, a nod to his ability to crush it in both worlds.
What made Augie stand out wasn’t just his smarts—it was his curiosity. He didn’t stick to one field; he explored engineering, business, even humanities. That hunger to learn everything he could set him apart and showed he was more than just a jock with a playbook.
Dominating the Field
On the athletic side, Augie was a force. In football, he was the guy who could do it all—offense, defense, special teams. His quick thinking and cool-headedness in high-pressure moments made him a coach’s dream. In wrestling, he brought the same intensity, grappling his way to respect. And before Lehigh, he was slinging fastballs as a left-handed pitcher at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. His ability to switch gears and excel in different sports was straight-up impressive.
Leading with Heart
Augie wasn’t just a player—he was a leader. As team captain, he had this knack for bringing people together. Whether it was hyping up the team before a big game or keeping everyone calm when the pressure was on, Augie was the glue. His teammates didn’t just respect him; they looked up to him. Stories of him rallying the squad during tough moments are still told around Lehigh’s locker rooms.
Stepping Up as a Coach
From Player to Mentor
After graduation, Augie didn’t leave Lehigh—he doubled down. He took on coaching roles with the men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams, bringing the same passion he had as a player. His coaching wasn’t just about winning (though his teams did plenty of that). It was about helping athletes grow as people. He introduced smart training techniques, like injury prevention and strength programs, that kept his teams in top shape.
Augie’s athletes racked up personal bests, league awards, and even academic honors. But what really set him apart was how he connected with his athletes. He wasn’t just a coach barking orders—he was a mentor who cared. Many of his athletes say he was the one who helped them find their confidence and navigate the chaos of college life.
Coaching the Whole Person
Augie’s coaching philosophy is all about balance. He knows sports are important, but so is everything else. His programs focus on:
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School First: Making sure athletes have the tools to ace their classes.
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Mental Health: Creating a space where athletes can talk about stress and get support.
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Leadership: Pushing athletes to step up and lead, whether it’s on the team or in life.
This approach has paid off big time. Lehigh’s athletic programs under Augie have been recognized for producing not just great athletes but great people. He’s especially made a difference for first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them feel at home at Lehigh.
Leading Beyond the Field
Building a More Inclusive Lehigh
Augie’s impact goes way beyond sports. As Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Engagement, he’s been a game-changer for Lehigh’s campus culture. He’s all about making everyone feel included, no matter who they are. Some of his big wins include:
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Diversity Workshops: Creating spaces for students to learn about and celebrate different cultures.
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Scholarships: Helping underprivileged students get access to Lehigh’s opportunities.
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Community Ties: Working with local groups to make Bethlehem a better place for everyone.
Augie’s revamped Lehigh’s orientation programs, turning them into welcoming, meaningful experiences that set students up for success. He’s also spoken at national conferences, sharing his vision for a more inclusive higher education.
Mentoring with Heart
What makes Augie special is how he shows up for people. Whether it’s cheering at a student event, supporting someone through a tough time, or celebrating their wins, he’s there. As a first-generation college grad himself, he gets what it’s like to feel out of place. That’s why he’s such a trusted mentor, especially for students facing similar challenges. His one-on-one connections have changed countless lives, from nervous freshmen to future leaders.
The Hustler with a Vision
An Entrepreneurial Spark
Augie’s always had a side hustle vibe. As a kid, he was selling handmade crafts in his neighborhood, learning early on how to spot an opportunity. At Lehigh, that entrepreneurial spirit came alive in a big way. He started a software company that helped local businesses run smoother, proving he could think outside the box. His focus on eco-friendly practices showed he cared about more than just profits—he wanted to make a difference.
Giving Back Big
Augie’s not one to keep his success to himself. He’s worked with local charities and schools, giving time and resources to help those in need. His mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs are a lifeline for people trying to break into the business world. He’s all about paying it forward, and it shows in everything he does.
The Augie Martinez Legacy
A Lasting Mark
Augie Martinez’s impact on Lehigh is impossible to overstate. He’s helped put the university on the map as a place where academics and athletics go hand in hand. From setting up scholarships to strengthening alumni connections, he’s created opportunities for students to thrive. You can see his influence in the records on Lehigh’s athletic walls and in the stories of students whose lives he’s touched.
Inspiring the Next Wave
Augie’s story is a roadmap for anyone who wants to make a difference. It’s about showing up, staying true to yourself, and lifting others up along the way. His journey proves that you don’t have to choose between your passions—you can chase them all and still make the world a better place.
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Wrapping It Up
Augie Martinez’s story at Lehigh is one of grit, heart, and unstoppable drive. From his days as a star athlete to his game-changing work as a coach and leader, he’s shown what it means to live with purpose. His legacy isn’t just in the trophies or programs he’s built—it’s in the countless students and athletes he’s inspired to be their best selves. Lehigh is a better place because of Augie, and his influence will keep shaping lives for years to come.
Want to follow in Augie’s footsteps or learn more about his work? Check out Lehigh University’s website or tap into their alumni network to get involved. Let Augie’s story push you to chase your dreams, tackle your challenges, and make a difference wherever you are.
