Lehigh, Eagles have forged enduring ties

BETHLEHEM - Through a dozen training camps at Lehigh University, where there's sometimes been too much traffic, too much heat or - for a few summers, at least - too much T.O, the relationship between the Eagles and Lehigh University has remained as warm and sunny as the typical weather.

"It's been an extremely positive experience," said Joe Sterrett, Lehigh's athletic director.

"Beneficial for both parties," said Eagles president Joe Banner.

Accompanied by even heftier doses of preseason's high spirits and high hopes, the NFL team's 13th training camp at Lehigh will officially begin today when rookies report.

Before it concludes, 17 days later, more than 100,000 Eagles fans will make the drive to the university's expansive Goodman Campus, new players and coaches will be indoctrinated into Andy Reid's complex system, local restaurants and shops will enjoy a welcome bump in business, and the team likely will make some converts in an area whose sports fans are as liable to root for New York's teams as Philadelphia's.

For its part, Lehigh will get valuable exposure in the Philadelphia market, an important benefit to a university locked in heated competition for the region's top high school students.

While more than a half-dozen NFL teams have foregone the traditional training-camp experience - preferring instead to practice at their in-season facilities - the Eagles remain committed to this leafy campus 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

"It's win-win," Sterrett said. "The level of awareness in our area about the Eagles has definitely grown, as has the awareness of Lehigh in the Philadelphia area. We're mentioned on the TV newscasts every night. Lehigh has become an extension of the Philadelphia area."

According to Banner, the chief reason the Eagles have opted to stay at Lehigh is Andy Reid.

"Andy is someone who recognizes value in the togetherness and focus a training camp can bring," said Banner. "Lehigh works so well because while it's away from our headquarters, it's still within an hour of the city and it's an easy back-and-forth."

NFL teams have different philosophies when it comes to summer camps. Those who don't want distractions or inconveniences stay at home. Some take advantage of nearby vacation areas. Others, as the Eagles appear to be doing, try to broaden their geographic sphere of influence.

The Lehigh Valley's football fan base, residents said, is split between the Eagles, Giants and Jets.