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.
Neil Waxman chose to donate at the 184-pound weight class.
What made you want to donate to the program?
- I chose to donate to Cleveland State because of my engagement in wrestling on a local and national level, including the support and elevation of the Vikings program. I have also assisted the National Wrestling Coaches Association in several endeavors. I am a strong supporter of where CSU wrestling comes from with the Mission of the University and the integral part that it holds in the strategic principles of the University.
What does it mean to give to Cleveland State?
- Wrestling is one of the sports with the most first-generation college attendees and without wrestling, many would have never attended college. Coach Moore and Coach Musser are building a first-class program. The Weight Class Champions program is just another way to support the program.
What did you learn through your time in Wrestling that has helped you apply to your career or life today?
- As Dan Gable said, "Once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy." The challenge, perseverance, and discipline developed and required to manage weight and compete shaped and formed the basis for how I have approached most things in life and has certainly been a determinant in much of my achievements.
If you could pass along any advice to any current wrestler, what would it be?
- Keep your elbows in, your head up and keep moving forward applies to more than wrestling. Don't just go through the motions to get your degree: make it count. Join Wrestlers in Business Network (WIBN) and reach out to your fellow wrestlers who can provide you guidance, networking opportunities, and potentially jobs. Wrestlers area more fraternal than any other sport I know. The more senior WIBN members are there to help.
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
