At a Jan. 28 meet and greet held at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem Ice Cream Parlor, the Hotel’s community ambassador Ryan Crookham met with wrestling fans and unveiled a new limited edition treat: the Ryan Crookham Brown & White Sundae.

Crookham, a three-time PIAA state champion while wrestling locally, and now rated No. 1 in collegiate wrestling at 133 pounds, “fits the culture of our hotel,” said managing partner Bruce Haines, who noted the Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s similar status as a three-year winner of USA Today’s Best Historic Hotels: Both are ranked No. 1.

Haines, a Lehigh University graduate and longtime supporter of the wrestling program, said it seemed to be a way to get involved in affecting Lehigh’s ability to compete at the highest level of NCAA wrestling. “As a community hotel, finding a local student athlete, a three-time state champion, provides a link to the community,” said Haines. “We wanted to find the right student,” he added.

NCAA athletes may now monetize their personal brand and endorsements while participating in collegiate sports.

Haines explained that he and Crookham met to iron out the details before entering into an independent contract that pays monthly, much like a public relations contract. As an ambassador, Crookham will attend management meetings, appear at promotional events, and even lead the housekeeping staff in stretching exercises. “It’s a kind of like an internship in entrepreneurial management,” said Haines.

Crookham, a red shirt freshman majoring in financial engineering at Lehigh, defeated NCAA and World Champion Vito Arajau last November. “It was really cool and even more awesome because my entire team was there and it was in front of local fans,” said Crookham.

He sees his career leading him in three possible career paths; investment banking, hedge funds, or actuarial science. “My dream is to have my own business,” he said.

Crookham’s sundae creation is a nod to Lehigh’s brown and white school colors starting with Penn State’s death by chocolate ice cream over a brownie, which is topped by dollops of whipped cream, peanut butter sauce, and extra chocolate chunks. It is available at the Hotel’s Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street.

“He likes his sweets,” said his father, also named Ryan.