April 22, 2011
Contact: Dan Carr
CLEVELAND, Ohio - From 12:00 noon on Thursday (April 20) to 12:00 noon on Friday (April 21), members of the Cleveland State men's and women's swimming and diving teams swam, flipped and helped members of the CSU community become better aware of two natural disasters that occurred across the globe. Participating in the first ever swim/flip-athon, the Vikings raised over $2,000 to help victims of an earthquake in New Zealand and a tsunami in Japan, with more donations expected to come in the following weeks.
"I am extremely pleased with the enthusiasm and dedication of all our swimmers and divers," head coach Wally Morton said.
The fundraiser, held at the Busbey Natatorium on Cleveland State's campus, was inspired by two Vikings from the affected area of New Zealand. Alice Sommerville and Al Shillito are both from the Christchurch region, the area hit hardest by the quake, with Shillito's family being among those whose homes were permanently damaged in the disaster.
During the 24-hour period, each Viking swimmer swam at least 120 laps while each diver did at least 200 flips, with many team members showing their support for the cause by going above and beyond those minimums.
Justin Kermack and Mark de Swardt, the two CSU swimmers who came up with the idea for the charity event, each swam 50,000 meters, or 1,000 laps. Carys Behn and Joanna Olsson led the women's team, swimming 21,300 meters apiece. Both teams combined to swim over 600,000 total meters, or approximately 350 miles.
On the diving side, Kacey Cummings did the most flips, turning in 350, while Matt DiMasso was second with 300.
The Vikings received support from many members of the CSU community, as quite a few students and staff showed up throughout the event to cheer on the team while enjoying movies on the natatorium's video board.
"We had great support from the dorm students, and many of the other sports teams," Morton said. "I want to thank everyone for their support."
While the Vikings have already raised over $2,000, Morton said he expects more money to come in over the next few days, with much the donations being matched by outside parties. Every dollar donated will go directly to the Red Cross to be used for relief for the victims in New Zealand and Japan, and donations are still being accepted.
Checks or monetary donations can be sent care of Coach Morton on Cleveland State's campus or can be given to any member of the CSU swimming and diving teams. Checks should be made out to the Red Cross. A final donation total will be announced in two weeks.
