5 Super Athletes With Ties To Upper Saucon

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Upper Saucon area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Noel LaMontagne (Football)

A standout from the Saucon Valley area, Noel LaMontagne played all five positions on the offensive line during his time with the Cleveland Browns. A Southern Lehigh High School graduate, he didn’t start football until eighth grade but quickly excelled, earning a spot in the NFL after a collegiate career at the University of Virginia. Injuries cut his playing days short, but he transitioned into a successful career managing professional athletes.

2. Talitha Diggs (Track)

Rising track star Talitha Diggs has carried on a legacy of athletic excellence. The Saucon Valley High School alumnus comes from a family of Olympians, including her mother, four-time Olympian athlete Joetta Clark Diggs. Continuing the family tradition, Diggs sprinted to national prominence at the University of Florida, later qualifying in multiple international track and field championships.

3. Jimmie Schaffer (Baseball)

Coopersburg High alum Jimmie Schaffer spent eight seasons in Major League Baseball, catching for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1961, recording a hit in his very first at-bat. After his playing days, Schaffer transitioned into coaching, serving as a bullpen coach for the Kansas City Royals, including during their 1985 World Series-winning season.

4. Ava Riehl (Soccer)

A rising star from Saucon Valley High School, Ava Riehl has dominated on the soccer field, tallying 86 career goals and 41 assists. She played a pivotal role in leading the Panthers to a 15-5 record and a playoff appearance in 2024. Her standout performances earned her a spot on the 2025 roster at Arkansas State University, where she will continue her soccer career at the collegiate level.

5. Don Rohn (Wrestling)

A Saucon Valley High School legend, Don Rohn made history in wrestling as both an athlete and a coach. He was a three-time District 11 champion, two-time PIAA state champion and a junior national champion before winning an NCAA title at Clarion State University. As a coach, he transformed multiple programs, leading Northampton High School to five state championships, 11 league titles and two national team titles.

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