July 16, 2019
Good afternoon Vikings fans!
Even though it is summer in Cleveland, it is not a time to relax within the halls of the Wolstein Center and the Physical Education Building!
My family arrived in Cleveland a couple of weeks ago and we've settled into our home in Avon (sorry east-siders!). Our first few days together in Cleveland included taking in the Light Up the Lake July 4th fireworks show, with President and First-Lady Harlan and Lynn Sands, from the patio at Luca Italian Cuisine in a very nice event hosted by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.
Congratulations are in order to the Cleveland Indians organization for the world-class they put on for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game. I had the pleasure of touring the Huntington Convention Center with Dave Johnson, Director of PR and Marketing, as the Play Ball Park festivities were being prepared and then took in the All Star game with my son on Tuesday evening. What an incredible opportunity for our great city!
I am excited to share with you several updates on the latest news in CSU Athletics.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
As you are likely aware, on Friday we communicated a change of leadership in our men's basketball program. I appreciate the passion and support shown by our CSU alumni, staff, supporters and fans in the last several days. We have received a number of recommendations and nominations for the next Head Coach. We will conduct an efficient search and are confident that we will find an incredible leader for the CSU men's basketball program very soon.
Coach Pat Vuyancih is working with our staff to manage team activities over the next couple of weeks, including team meetings, individual student-athlete meetings and basketball workouts – I appreciate Coach V's willingness to serve CSU Athletics in this capacity! Stay tuned for the conclusion of our search and announcement of the next Head Coach!
We are also working at putting the finishing touches on the non-conference schedule and will make a formal announcement of those details very soon.
I encourage our fans to support CSU Basketball through a season ticket purchase. Full season tickets start at just $75 each if purchased by August 31. Improving our attendance at Wolstein is an important piece of improving our men's basketball direction; an intimidating home court environment will help our team win games, attract prospective student-athletes and provide our new coach with an outstanding platform on which to build.
LACROSSE
Yesterday we announced that Coach Dylan Sheridan has stepped down from his post as CSU Lacrosse Head Coach to accept a position with Ohio State. I know that this was a difficult decision for Dylan and his family. We are forever grateful for Dylan's leadership, professionalism and character. He leaves behind a strong team and an inaugural recruiting class that will complete their degrees and careers here next spring. Andy German will serve as our interim Head Coach while a search is conducted and we look forward to sharing news very soon on a permanent staffing plan.
VIKING FUND
Last month we launched our brand new Viking Fund – an annual giving program, with many member benefits, designed to enhance our efforts at providing CSU student-athletes with a transformational student-athlete experience. We are proud to share that they early returns are strong. I ask that our fans consider a gift to the Viking Fund as a way to directly impact our 350 student-athletes in their efforts to become better people, students and competitors. Click here for more information on how to support.
VOLLEYBALL
Our women's volleyball season is only six weeks away! We had a series of announcements last week regarding Volleyball, including the incoming class of student-athletes, our schedule, and availability of tickets.
SOCCER
This weekend the women's soccer program will host their 2nd annual golf outing at Valleaire Golf Course. There are still a few spots available to participate – please contact Assistant Coach Reilee DuPratt (r.dupratt@csuohio.edu) if you can make it out to play!
On the men's side of the pitch, we are making plans for our big matchup with Akron on October 29. The game will be a ticketed event and we will release details in the next couple of weeks on how to secure your spot for what should be a sold out Krenzler Field.
As always, please feel free to reach out with your comments, suggestions, questions and other feedback. I have met many of our fans and supporters personally and look forward to continued visits and your loyal support.
Go Vikes!
-Scott