CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland State University wrestling program will spotlight their eight current "Viking Weight Class Champions" over the coming days the Vikings prepare for the NCAA Championships from Thursday, March 17 through Saturday, March 19 in Detroit, Michigan.
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.
Gary Sorace chose to donate at the 125-pound weight class.
What made you want to donate to the program?
- As an alum of the CSU wrestling team, I wanted to give back to the program that helped shape me. I owe a lot to CSU and Coach Bonacci! Coach Bonacci changed my life!
What is your favorite memory from Cleveland State?
- I have a lot of great memories from my time at CSU. In the early 70s, we had a powerful wrestling program, and our team was ranked nationally. I was proud that I could contribute to that success.
What did you learn at Cleveland State that has helped you apply to your career or life today?
- I was afforded the opportunity to grow academically and emotionally. First and foremost, hard work pays off. Coach Bonacci challenged us. He helped raise us as young men. Many people don't realize this, but Coach Bonacci was a very compassionate man. To many, he may have appeared tough, but he was also very compassionate, and I always appreciate everything Coach Bonacci did for us.
If you could pass along any advice to any current wrestler, what would it be?
- Make sure you work as hard as you can, because your college years pass quickly, academically and athletically. Secondly, remember the things CSU has done for you, academically and athletically, and remember to give back.
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
