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Vikings Swimming and Diving Fundraiser Helps One of Their Own

Posted: May 01, 2012

May 1, 2012

Contact: Tim Ertle

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - More than 50 members of the Cleveland State University athletic family got together at CanalWay Center for a good cause on Saturday (April 28) as they participated in the 5K CSU Viking Tornado Relief Run to raise money toward the re-construction of Moscow, Ohio.

The small village - home to just over 200 - on the Ohio River southwest of Cincinnati is the home community to Cleveland State sophomore swimmer Alex Lewis and was devastated by storms almost two months ago.

On March 2, 2012, a tornado that the National Weather Service measured at 20 miles in length and a quarter mile wide hit Moscow. The storm was so powerful that it picked up the roof of the Moscow Community Center and tossed it at least 100 feet away.

The Cleveland State swimming and diving program - spearheaded by Lewis, Pieter Ritz and Allison Pallija - decided to create the run in an effort to support one of their own.

"I am so proud of our student-athletes for participating in the 5K CSU Viking Tornado Relief Run to aid the victims of the devastation caused to Moscow, Ohio," head swimming coach Wally Morton said. "The community was destroyed but with the cooperation of many will be rebuilt to be even stronger. Alex Lewis was so impressed by not only his teammates but the other teams, in particular members of the cross country team, that made the event possible.

Thanks to the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, head cross country coach Joe Jaketic, Associate Director of Athletics for Student Affairs Christine Moeller, Coordinator of Athletic Facilities Mike Lehto and Administrative Assistant Chico Chernosky for all the hard work and effort that made the run possible," Morton added. "We had a great turn out on a brisk day and over $500 has already been collected in donations with much more to come. We thank all of you for the wonderful support you are giving to Alex's community that is so much in need of building supplies to aid in the recovery. "

Anyone looking to help the efforts can make a donation by contacting Wally Morton (216-687-4809) or Chico Chernosky (216-687-5434).