National Football Foundation

Established in 1961, the Lehigh Valley Chapter holds the distinction as one of the National Football Foundation's oldest and most established chapters. Its success and longevity stands as a testament to the strong leadership of men like Ed Watto, one of many individuals who has devoted a great deal of time and effort to ensure the chapter's rich history continues.
 
Watto, who has served as president for the past eight years and on the board since 1994, plays a key role in organizing all of the chapter committees and many events. Under his steady leadership, the chapter annually honors 34 high school scholar-athletes and six collegiate scholar-athletes, and since its inception the chapter has honored nearly 800 high school and 250 college scholar-athletes. The chapter creatively presents unique awards to each honoree, and the chapter's most outstanding scholar-athlete receives a $2,000 scholarship. In addition to their highly successful scholar-athlete banquet, the chapter has staged several coaching academies and continues to support its local Play It Smart programs.
 
"I have really enjoyed my time working with the Lehigh Valley Chapter," said Watto. "We have great people on our board of directors who are willing to give of their time and efforts to help the young people of our community. I have never had anyone turn me down when I have asked them to play a role in our chapter. We are very proud of what we have accomplished over the years."
 
The chapter doesn't stop with their local events. Every year the chapter rents a bus and travels to a college football game. Trips in the past have included games at Army, Navy, Notre Dame and many of the former "Kick Off Classics" that were held at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands.
 
A former coach and athletics administrator, Ed served more than 43 years in education. All but one of his 43-plus years was spent at the Pocono Mountain School District. He coached football for ten years, wrestling for 28 years and was the district director of athletics for an impressive 35 years, winning countless area and state awards. He graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and in 1964 with a Masters of Education.
 
The energetic Watto currently lives in Cresco, Pa., with his wife Kathryn. The couple has four sons and seven grandchildren. Two of Watto's sons, Michael and Edward, were honored as Lehigh Valley Chapter Scholar-Athletes during their careers at Pocono Mountain High School.