April 20, 2023
East Stroudsburg University Student Wins State System Startup Challenge
Contact: Kevin Hensil, khensil@passhe.edu
Harrisburg, PA 鈥� East Stroudsburg University (ESU) student Stelios Melekos won the $10,000 first
place prize in the annual State System Startup Challenge sponsored by Pennsylvania鈥檚
State System of Higher Education (黑料专区). Melekos created a business plan for Blitz
Performance LLC which provides anglers with lures and apparel for both saltwater and
freshwater fishing.
Three students participated in the finals by pitching their plans to a panel of business
leaders for a chance to win funds to support the start-up or growth of their business.
The Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) aired the live competition Wednesday evening.
鈥淐ongratulations to Stelios for this victory and I thank every student from across
the system who competed this year,鈥� said State System Board of Governors Chairwoman
Cynthia D. Shapira. 鈥淭hese students are a great example of the innovation and entrepreneurial
spirit that is thriving on our campuses. The State System Startup Challenge helps
the next generation of business leaders to get their start and demonstrates the partnerships
between State System universities and the business community.鈥�
Melekos, an ESU junior business management student with a concentration in entrepreneurship
from Churchville, Pa., created the business plan for Blitz Performance products, which
are available to retail customers online at blitzfishingperformance.com and wholesale
at tackle shops across five states. Blitz Performance is committed to building a sense
of community around the brand by developing the tools to catch more fish and make
the most of anglers鈥� time on the water.
PSECU funded the $10,000 first place prize and the PA Chamber of Business and Industry
is providing a complimentary membership and other benefits.
West Chester University senior Jake Henry won the $5,000 second place award for a
business plan for Lectra Tape, which helps people navigate their rehabilitation process
and complete physical therapy. Lectra Tape is conductive kinesiology tape that delivers
electrical pulses from a wireless muscle stimulator to aid in the healing and rehabilitation
process. Sensors in the tape collect data that is analyzed and shared with the user
and physical therapists, so they can adjust rehabilitation plans to provide the best
results and encourage the individual to continue their physical therapy. Henry is
a Bachelor鈥檚 of Applied Science student with a pharmaceutical product development
concentration from Camp Hill, Pa.
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company
funded the second place prize.
PennWest Edinboro freshman Victoria Heffelfinger won the $2,500 third place award
with a business plan for Wildlife Water School LLC, an aquatic instruction school
that provides swimming lessons for people ages 6 months and older. Offering an inclusive
environment for people of all abilities and backgrounds, the school provides basic
skills, infant swimming resources, and advanced instruction. Specialized lessons for
people with disabilities or other challenges are also available. Lesson schedules
and information are available www.wildlifewaterschool.com. Heffelfinger is a freshman
special education student from North Huntingdon, Pa.
Marathon Studios funded the third place prize and will provide business coaching to
help the student capitalize, develop and growth the venture.
鈥淭his business plan competition gives State System students the opportunity to pursue
their dreams here in Pennsylvania,鈥� said State System Chancellor Daniel Greenstein.
鈥淭hese students remind us about the value of public higher education to strengthen
Pennsylvania鈥檚 economy as they translate a classroom education to real-world experience.
Thank you to the students, faculty and universities for making this possible.鈥�
The judges for the State System Startup Challenge were Cynthia Pritchard, Vice President,
Senior Philanthropic Specialist for Wells Fargo; David Kerr, President of External
Affairs for AT&T; Adam Stewart, Vice President of Strategic Growth Marketing and Relationship
Management for PSECU, and Taylor Rowles, Senior Manager of Market Integration for
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.