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.

Mark Johnson chose to donate at the 165-pound weight class in which he wrestled for the Vikings before graduating in 1982.

What made you want to donate to the program?

• As an alum of Cleveland State and a wrestler throughout my undergraduate years, I understand how important student-aid is to undergraduates at public institutions since they may not receive the same resources as a private institution.

What is your favorite memory from Cleveland State?

• I enjoyed the closeness to downtown Cleveland, and the closeness that our team had. I also enjoyed the bus trips that we took especially to the University of Iowa, and Northern Iowa, as well as the adventures of going through Pennsylvania.

What did you learn at Cleveland State that has helped you apply to your career or life today?

• Perseverance in both wrestling and school! If someone is struggling either athletically or in school, help them find a way to get through it because not everyone gets an opportunity to attend Cleveland State. Not everyone has the same resources so finding the important things on the mat or in the classroom will only help them grow in the future.

If you could pass along any advice to any current wrestler, what would it be?

• Always believe in yourself and don't let emotional, or mental things get in the way of trusting your abilities in the classroom or on the mat. Too many times, students and athletes get bogged down by things that cause them to question things, and as a result, they may not do what they're capable of. Believe in yourself and trust your own abilities.

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