CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland State University wrestling program will spotlight their eight current "Viking Weight Class Champions" over the course of the week as the team prepares for the MAC Championships on Friday and Saturday at Ohio University.
The Viking Weight Class Champions' fundraising efforts will help with scholarship sustainability as the program looks toward continued progress as a regional and nationally competitive program. Sporting a roster of thirty-one wrestlers, 28 from the state of Ohio, and three reigning NCAA qualifiers, Cleveland State Wrestling is taking the next step of the "New Era" while seeking philanthropic support under the leadership of Head Coach Josh Moore.
Derek Bekeny chose to donate at the 141-pound weight class. Bekeny graduated from Cleveland State in 1973.
What made you want to donate to the program?
- As an alum of the CSU wrestling team, I wanted to give back in a more significant way to the institution that provided me so much in the way of knowledge and life lessons.
What is your favorite memory from Cleveland State?
- Getting into Cleveland State. A month before school started, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life after graduating high school. The athletic scholarship grants that I received were not enough for me to attend college full time. Then sometime in late August when most everyone was enrolled and cutoff for new students had passed, Coach Bonacci called me to his office and made arrangements for me, and gave me a sufficient athletic grant to attend CSU. I am forever grateful for that!!!!
What did you learn at Cleveland State that has helped you apply to your career or life today?
- College taught me how to learn. When you begin a career, that is when the real learning begins.
I became a lifelong learner.
If you could pass along any advice to any current wrestler, what would it be?
- Be cognizant of your personal supporters and nurture the best circle of friends that you can. Seek mentors and start giving back early in life. Keep training for wrestling in perspective and take time away during the offseason. "Sports does not build character it reveals it" --Heywood Hale Broun
To become a Viking Weight Class Champions supporter, interested individuals are invited to contact Bob Heller, Senior Associate Athletic Director of Resource Development, r.c.heller@csuohio.edu, Brandon Longmeier, Assistant Athletic Director – Viking Fund at b.longmeier@csuohio.edu, or Head Coach Josh Moore at j.j.moore40@csuohio.edu for more information.
Donations to the wrestling program can also be made online HERE.
More information on the "Viking Weight Class Champions" can be found HERE.
Donate directly to the Dick Bonacci Scholarship Fund HERE