2021-22 Cleveland State Athletics Annual Report

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2021-22 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.......................................................................................................................Table Of Contents 2.............................................................................................................. Letter to Viking Nation 4.............................................................................................................. Department Highlights Academic Highlights,VESPYS 6.............................................................................................................. Department Highlights Hall of Fame, esports 7.............................................................................................................. Department Highlights Conference Updates 8.................................................................................................... ChampionsThrough Competition Major Award Winners, First Team All-League, Individual League Champions, Postseason Appearances 10..................................................................................................................................Fall Sports Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer,Volleyball, Cross Country 12........................................................................................................................... Winter Sports Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball 14........................................................................................................................... Winter Sports Men’s Swim & Dive, Track & Field 15........................................................................................................................... Winter Sports Wrestling, Women’s Swim & Dive, M/W Fencing 16.............................................................................................................................Spring Sports Women’s Tennis, Softball 18.............................................................................................................................Spring Sports Men’s/Women’s Golf, Lacrosse, Men’s Tennis 20......................................................................................................... Champions In The Classroom League All-Academic Team Honorees 21......................................................................................................... Champions In The Classroom John Konstantinos Honors Luncheon, 2022 Valedictorian 22................................................................................................................. Revenue Generation Ticketing, Sponsorship, Annual Giving 26....................................................................................................... Champions In The Community Team & Department-Wide Service Initiatives 28............................................................................................................Viking Family Additions 30..........................................................................................................................Get Connected ESPN+, Social Media, Fan App 31.............................................................................................................................. What’s Next Athletics Strategic Plan, Woodling Campaign, Title IX Celebration, 2022 Viking Derby 32.............................................................................................................................. What’s Next Mental Health Support, Teamworks, NIL, Campus Facilities Master Plan

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Fellow Vikings, What a spectacular year it has been for CSU Athletics! We are honored to present the 2021-22 Cleveland State Athletics Annual Report – a reflection on a special academic and athletic year for the Vikings.

From conference titles, to individual all-league award winners, to record department academic success, to the return of spectators on campus and unprecedented levels of alumni and donor support, the last 12 months have provided for remarkable stories of championships in the classroom, in the community and through competition.

Our 65 coaches and staff come to our beautiful campus each day highly motivated to deliver on our CSU Athletics Promise of providing 345 Cleveland State student-athletes a transformational experience.

Throughout this report you will see the fruits of this philosophy and our student-centered approach, accomplished through enhancing CSU’s Engaged Learning mission, attracting championship caliber Vikings, developing community support, sharing our accomplishments, and embracing compliance.

As we continue working on delivering the strategies outlined in our CSU Athletics Strategic Plan, we look forward to your enthusiastic support as a fan in the stands, as a contributor to the Viking Fund or one of our 19 sport programs, and as an ambassador for the Vikings throughout NE Ohio and beyond!

Go Vikes!

Cleveland State Director of Athletics

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS Cleveland State recorded its 30th and 31st straight semester with a department GPA of 3.30 or higher during the 2021-22 academic year, as the Vikings combined for a 3.38 GPA during Fall 2021 and a 3.36 GPA during Spring 2022. The department combined for 337 Dean’s List honors and 61 President’s List honors during the year, while also earning 200+ Horizon League Honor Roll accolades.

Sixty-nine Cleveland State student-athletes received their degrees during the 2021-22 academic year, including 45 of whom that graduated with honors; 16 Cum Laude, 12 Magna Cum Laude and 17 Summa Cum Laude.

Individual highlights from the graduating class included Valedictorian Shelbie Seeberg (women’s fencing) and Senior CLASS Award Candidate Matt Manfredi (lacrosse).

VIKINGS HOST 10TH ANNUAL VESPYS For the first time in three years the Cleveland State Athletic Department returned to an in-person VESPYS, as the Vikings hosted the 10th annual Viking Excellence In Sports Performance Yearly Awards. In total, 11 awards were handed out; Freshman of the Year (Oihane Vicario, Women’s Tennis), Coach of the Year (Frank Polito, Women’s Tennis), Individual Performance (Ben Smith, Wrestling), Sports Moment (Women’s Tennis), Spark Plug (Helena Novatsidis,Women’s Soccer), Bleed Green (Connor Kernan, Lacrosse), Best Photo (Wrestling), Male Athlete (Timothy Kubacki, Men’s Swim & Dive), Female Athlete (Destiny Leo, Women’s Basketball), Mr. Viking (Timothy Kubacki, Men’s Swim & Dive), and Ms.Viking (Lindsey Tout,Volleyball).

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2022 ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS INDUCTED Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Cleveland State held its 42nd annual Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony on February 5, 2022, inducting five members into the prestigious club. The 2022 class included Andrew Bailey (Men’s Golf), Beth Greulich (Volleyball), Clinton Ransey (Men’s Basketball), Lee Reed (Athletic Director), and Dara Toman (Softball).

In addition, the Cleveland State Department of Athletics also retired the jersey of Clinton Ransey, who was part of the historic 1985-86 men’s basketball team that reached the NCAA Sweet 16. Ransey is now one of six basketball players to have their jerseys retired (Kailey Klein, Norris Cole, Ken McFadden, Franklin Edwards).

CLEVELAND STATE ADDS VARSITY ESPORTS On May 11, 2022 Cleveland State Athletics announced the addition of esports, becoming the first varsity team in the Cleveland area. The brand-new Viking program is slated to compete as a varsity sport under the athletics department umbrella, and will begin play in the upcoming 2022-23 academic year.

PJ Farrell was tabbed as Cleveland State’s first Director of esports, and will lead the Vikings as they begin competing in the NECC in Overwatch, Rainbow 6, Valorant, Smash Brothers Ultimate, Call of Duty, Rocket League, and League of Legends.

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DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS LACROSSE JOINS ASUN The 2022 season marked a first for Cleveland State Lacrosse, as the Vikings competed as a conference member for the first time in their six year history. Cleveland State joined the ASUN as an affiliate member in July of 2021, and was part of a six-team field for the 2022 campaign.

Cleveland State’s first ASUN contest came on Saturday, April 2, when the Vikings traveled to Bellarmine to kickoff the five-game ASUN season. Following their inaugural season, the Vikings earned multiple conference accolades, including Gannon Matthews earning Freshman of the Year honors.

FENCING JOINS CENTRAL COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE Prior to the 2021-22 season, what was formerly known as the Midwest Conference became the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference, with Cleveland State competing as one of four teams in the competitive conference.

During the first season of competition as the CCFC, Cleveland State’s men’s team finished second at the conference championships, while the women’s team placed third, combining for seven All-Conference accolades.

WRESTLING CAPTURES FIRST-EVER INDIVIDUAL MAC TITLE In Cleveland State’s third year competing as an affiliate member of the Mid-American Conference, wrestling picked up its first individual title at the 2022 MAC Championships, as junior Ben Smith brought home the crown at 197-pounds.

Third-seeded Smith picked up a 7-2 decision against Lock Haven in the quarterfinals and a 6-3 decision against Kent State in the semifinals, before capturing the title by pinning the top seed from Clarion in 2:07.

HORIZON LEAGUE SUCCESS Cleveland State also continued its success in the Horizon League - the Vikings’ primary athletic conference - finishing third in the 2021-22 McCafferty Trophy standings (leaguewide all-sports trophy). The Vikings captured regular season titles in men’s basketball and women’s tennis, while advancing to the championship contests in men’s soccer and women’s basketball.

Overall for the year, the Vikings combined for 75+ Horizon League victories and 12 tournament appearances.

ChampionsTHROUGH COMPETITION 2021-22 LEAGUE MAJOR AWARD WINNERS D’Moi Hodge // Defensive Player of the Year..............................................Men’s Basketball Melissa Holzopfel // Freshman of the Year.................................................................. Softball Bojan Kolevski // Offensive Player of the Year................................................. Men’s Soccer Timothy Kubacki // Athlete of the Year................................................. Men’s Swim & Dive Gannon Matthews // Freshman of the Year..............................................................Lacrosse Thomas M’Barek // Defensive Player of the Year........................................... Men’s Soccer Frank Polito // Coach of the Year................................................................... Women’s Tennis Jannis Schmidt // Player of the Year................................................................... Men’s Soccer Oihane Vicario // Co-Freshman of the Year................................................ Women’s Tennis

2021-22 FIRST TEAM ALL-LEAGUE HONOREES Sabrina Coffman.................................................................................................. Women’s Golf Jenna Deang........................................................................................................................ Softball Mikael Erler................................................................................................................ Men’s Tennis D’Moi Hodge......................................................................................................Men’s Basketball Melissa Holzopfel............................................................................................................. Softball Bojan Kolevski......................................................................................................... Men’s Soccer Maxime Mareschal-Hay........................................................................................ Men’s Tennis Gannon Matthews..........................................................................................................Lacrosse Thomas M’Barek................................................................................................... Men’s Soccer Jannis Schmidt........................................................................................................ Men’s Soccer Oihane Vicario................................................................................................... Women’s Tennis

2021-22 INDIVIDUAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Timothy Kubacki (200 IM)....................................................................... Men’s Swim & Dive Jackson Nester (400 IM)........................................................................... Men’s Swim & Dive Ben Smith (197 Pounds)............................................................................................. Wrestling Ana Sofia Sousa (200 Free)............................................................... Women’s Swim & Dive 400 Medley Relay (Niedzialek, Manning, Fick, Johnston).................... Men’s Swim & Dive

2021-22 POSTSEASON APPEARANCES Wrestling (Marcus Robinson, Ben Smith, Riley Smucker)............ NCAA Championships Men’s Basketball.............................................................................................. NIT First Round Women’s Basketball.................................................................... WBI Championship Game

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FALL SPORTS MEN’S SOCCER During the 2021 campaign Cleveland State picked up a program-best eight Horizon League victories, including a perfect 5-0 #HLMSOC record at Krenzler Field.With their 8-2 league record the Vikings earned the No. 2 seed in the Horizon League Tournament, and went on to earn a spot in the Championship Game for the first time since 2012.

Throughout the season the Vikings were led by their trio of Horizon League specialty award winners; Jannis Schmidt (Player of the Year), Bojan Kolevski (Offensive Player of the Year), and Thomas M’Barek (Defensive Player of the Year).

WOMEN’S SOCCER The Vikings ended their 2021 regular season in dramatic fashion, as Cleveland State went 3-0-1 over the final four contests to earn a spot in the Horizon League Tournament.

During this stretch, the Viking defense didn’t allow a goal for 458 minutes, recording four straight shutouts to make their first appearance in the #HLWSOC tournament since 2019.

Senior Essence Canady was named to the All-League Second Team after leading the Viking defense, earning league honors for the first time in her career after starting 63 of the 65 games she appeared in, including all 15 games during her final season. In addition, Kyla Valaitis was named to the All-Freshman Team.

VOLLEYBALL Playing in her first complete season of collegiate volleyball, sophomore Abby Miller eclipsed the 1,000-assist mark, finishing the 2021 campaign with 1,354 assists. After notching 567 assists during the shortened 2020 spring season, Miller recorded 787 assists as a sophomore during 2021.

Off the court, the duo of Audrey McConihe and Peyton Bloomer were named to the Horizon League All-Academic Team, with both earning the accolade for the first time in their careers.

CROSS COUNTRY During the 2021 campaign the Vikings recorded a trio of top-three team finishes, including a second place finish at the Tommy Titan Invite. Throughout the season Cleveland State was paced by sophomore transfer Kiannah Sarver, who represented the Vikings’ top finisher during four races.

Off the course, Hannah Korte was named to the Horizon League All-Academic Team, earning her first cross country accolade and second career academic honor (#HLTF Academic).

WINTER SPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL For the second straight year the Vikings captured a share of the Horizon League Regular Season Championship, marking the first time the program has notched back-to-back regular season titles. Cleveland State also advanced to its second consecutive postseason appearance during the 2021-22 season, as the Vikings earned a spot in the NIT field.The Vikings finished with a 20-11 record on the year, marking the first 20-win campaign in eight years.

Throughout the year, the Vikings were led by the quartet of All-League honorees in D’Moi Hodge (Defensive Player of the Year, First Team, All-Defensive Team), Torrey Patton (Second Team), Tre Gomillion (Third Team, All-Defensive Team), and Deante Johnson (All-Defensive Team).

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Vikings made their second straight postseason appearance during the 2021-22 campaign, earning a spot in the WBI field. Cleveland State picked up a pair of wins against Northeastern and Nevada before falling to Saint Mary’s in the WBI Championship Game – the Vikings’ second straight trip to the title contest.

CSU earned its spot in the postseason after advancing to the #HLWBB Championship game for the first time since 2010, and finished the year with a 23-9 record – marking the second 20-win campaign over the last three years. The Vikings were paced by All-League honorees Destiny Leo and Nadia Dumas, with Dumas finishing her career ranked fourth in field goal percentage (.513) and seventh in blocked shots (86) in the CSU Record Book.

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MEN’S SWIM & DIVE Cleveland State finished as the runner-up at the 2022 Horizon League Championships, winning two individual #HLSD titles from Timothy Kubacki (200 IM) and Jackson Nester (400 IM) and one relay title from Dominik Niedzialek, Griffin Manning, Bob Fick, and Paddy Johnston (400 Medley). 2022 marked the seventh straight season that Cleveland State has finished second at the Horizon League Championships, and the 19th time that the Vikings have placed in the top-two in program history.

For his efforts, Kubacki was named the 2022 Horizon League Athlete of the Year, while he was joined by Fick, Johnson, Nester, and Manning in posting NCAA B-standard times throughout the season.

TRACK & FIELD Throughout the 2021-22 season, Cleveland State recorded five individual event wins, with three coming during the indoor campaign and two coming during the outdoor season. Junior Dynesty Ervin accounted for three wins, while classmate Margaret Smith recorded the other two.

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Dynesty Ervin recorded all three of her individual event wins in the 200 Meter Dash (Indoor; Hillsdale Wide Track & Mastodon Invite, Outdoor; Mountaineer Invite), while Margaret Smith notched her indoor win in the 800 Meter Run at the Mastodon Invite and her outdoor victory in the 400 Meter Dash at the Shamrock Invite.

The Vikings also recorded an additional 16 top-five finishes throughout both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

WINTER SPORTS WRESTLING Cleveland State wrestling claimed its first-ever MAC Championship during the 2021-22 campaign, as junior Ben Smith won the 197-pound weight class with a pin in the first round of the title matchup.The Vikings went on to qualify three individuals for the NCAA Championships; Marcus Robinson (149 Pounds), Riley Smucker (165 Pounds), and Smith (197 Pounds), with Robinson picking up a win in his opening match over No. 12 Mike VanBrill of Rutgers (7-5 decision).

WOMEN’S SWIM & DIVE Cleveland State sophomore Ana Sofia Sousa paced the Vikings at the #HLSD Championships, winning the 200-yard Freestyle with a time of 1:50.59. This marked the first time since 2011 that a CSU swimmer has captured the 200 Free title at the #HLSD Championships, while it marked the first championship in Sousa’s collegiate career.

Sousa’s win in the 200 Free marked one of six top-five individual event finishes for the Vikings, as she was joined by Rachel Contich (500 Free, 200 Free), Kellsie Krisch (400 IM, 200 Breast), Lauren Lewis (400 IM), and Madison Taker (200 Fly) with podium finishes.

MEN’S FENCING The Vikings – competing under new head coach Christine Griffith – finished as the runner-up in their first year of competition at the Central Collegiate Conference Championships, paced by four All-Conference honorees in Jesse Ndjeka (Epee), Will Waters (Epee), Paul DiVenti (Foil), and Mason Moskowitz (Sabre).

Cleveland State sent 11 student-athletes to the NCAA Regionals, finishing the national competition with seven top-10 finishes between the three weapons.

WOMEN’S FENCING Cleveland State, led by new head coach Christine Griffith, placed third in its first year of competition at the Central Collegiate Conference Championships during the 2021-22 campaign. The Vikings were paced by three All-Conference award winners in Lily Roberston (epee), Shelbie Seeberg (foil) and Ilyssa Freiburger (sabre).

The Vikings then had five student-athletes earn a spot in the NCAA Regional field, with all five finishing in the top-20 between the three weapons.

SPRING SPORTS

SOFTBALL The Vikings posted one of their best years of all time in 2022, as Cleveland State returned to the Horizon League Tournament for the first time since 2016, recorded its most wins in a single-season (22) since 2015, and posted the most conference victories (18) in a year since 2010. The Vikings’ 18 #HLSOFT wins during regular season play earned them the No. 2 seed in the Horizon League Tournament, marking the eighth time that Cleveland State has played as a top-two seed in program history.

The Vikings were led by Horizon League Freshman of the Year Melissa Holzopfel, who became just the third Viking all-time to earn rookie of the year honors, while Jenna Deang (First Team) and Becky Hurosky (Second Team) also earned postseason honors.

WOMEN’S TENNIS Cleveland State captured its fifth Horizon League Regular Season Championship during the 2022 spring campaign, posting the program’s first-ever undefeated #HLTennis record with a perfect 6-0 mark in regular season matches. The Vikings cruised through wins over Oakland, IUPUI, Northern Kentucky, Milwaukee, and UIC, before posting a 5-2 victory at Youngstown State to claim the regular season title.

The Vikings were led by Horizon League Co-Freshman of the Year Oihane Vicario, along with Second Team honorees Klara Mrcela and Sima Heren. In addition, Frank Polito was named the Horizon League Coach of the Year.

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SPRING SPORTS WOMEN’S GOLF The Vikings posted one of their best years in recent history, as Cleveland State concluded the spring campaign with the program’s first tournament win in five years following a victory at the Nevel Meade Collegiate in late March, before posting a third place finish at the Horizon League Championships – the team’s best champion finish since 2019.

All-Horizon League selections capped off the year from Sabrina Coffman (First Team) and Madison Butler (Second Team), while Lexi Knight was named to the All-Academic Team.

MEN’S GOLF Cleveland State senior Zach Robbins paced the Vikings during the 2021-22 campaign, finishing as one of the Vikings’ top-two finishers during all but one event, including a quartet of top-15 overall finishes. After leading CSU with a T-9 finish at the Horizon League Championship, Robbins was named to the All-League Second Team.

As a team, the Vikings notched six top-six finishes on the year, including a fourth place finish at the 2022 #HLGolf Championships.

LACROSSE After playing as an independent for the last five years, Cleveland State competed in a conference for the first time in program history during the 2022 campaign, playing as members of the ASUN Conference. In their first year eligible for postseason awards, the Vikings brought home five ASUN honors, highlighted by Gannon Matthews being named the ASUN Freshman of the Year.

In addition, Matthews was also named First Team All-Conference, and was joined on the All-Freshman team by Amiri Austin. Off the field, Matt Manfredi was selected to the ASUN All-Academic Team and was named a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award.

MEN’S TENNIS Playing in his final season as a Viking, senior Clark Bilinovich eclipsed the 60-win plateau for his career, finishing the 2021-22 campaign ranked 12th on the CSU Singles Wins List with 64 career victories. Bilinovich, who earned Second Team All-League honors after notching a perfect 8-0 record against #HLTennis opponents, helped the Vikings to a second place regular season finish in the league standings.

In addition to Bilinovich a trio of other Vikings earned league accolades, as Maxime Mareschal-Hay and Mikael Erler were named First Team All-League, while Kade Mindry also earned a spot on the All-League Second Team.

ChampionsIN THE CLASSROOM 2021-22 LEAGUE ALL-ACADEMIC HONOREES Sydney Bajusz.................................................................................................................... Softball Peyton Bloomer............................................................................................................ Volleyball Daniel Bucknavich...................................................................................................... Wrestling Rachel Contich..................................................................................... Women’s Swim & Dive Jenna Deang........................................................................................................................ Softball Lina Feltovich....................................................................................................Women’s Soccer Logan Heil...................................................................................................................... Wrestling John Kelbly...................................................................................................................... Wrestling Lexi Knight............................................................................................................. Women’s Golf Bojan Kolevski......................................................................................................... Men’s Soccer Hannah Korte.................... Cross Country/Indoor Track & Field/Outdoor Track & Field Jack Krusinski............................................................................................... Men’s Swim & Dive Timothy Kubacki........................................................................................ Men’s Swim & Dive Matt Manfredi..................................................................................................................Lacrosse Jake Manley.................................................................................................................... Wrestling Griffin Manning........................................................................................... Men’s Swim & Dive Maxime Mareschal-Hay........................................................................................ Men’s Tennis Thomas M’Barek................................................................................................... Men’s Soccer Audrey McConihe........................................................................................................ Volleyball Kade Mindry.............................................................................................................. Men’s Tennis DeAndre Nassar.......................................................................................................... Wrestling Dominik Niedzialek.................................................................................. Men’s Swim & Dive Daniel Patten................................................................................................................ Wrestling Kathryn Ramicone..........................................................................................Women’s Soccer Anthony Rice................................................................................................................. Wrestling Zach Robbins................................................................................................................ Men’s Golf Marcus Robinson......................................................................................................... Wrestling Jannis Schmidt........................................................................................................ Men’s Soccer Margaret Smith.............................................. Indoor Track & Field/Outdoor Track & Field Riley Smucker............................................................................................................... Wrestling Ana Sofia Sousa................................................................................... Women’s Swim & Dive Selma Tounsi....................................................................................................... Women’s Tennis Maddie Young....................................................................................................Women’s Soccer

JOHN KONSTANTINOS ACADEMIC HONORS LUNCHEON Cleveland State returned to hosting the John Konstantinos Academic Honors Luncheon in 2022, marking the 30th anniversary of the program. During 2021-22, 238 Vikings were honored for having a 3.25+ cumulative grade-point average - representing 70-percent of the student-athlete population.

In addition, five specialty awards were handed out; President’s Award - Jacob Cole (Men’s Swim & Dive) and JT Wenger (Men’s Fencing), John McLendon Award - Helena Novatsidis (Women’s Soccer), Konstantinos Scholarship - Timothy Kubacki (Men’s Swim & Dive), James LaMastra Award - Katie Sidloski (Women’s Soccer), and Best of the Best Team Award - Women’s Tennis.

SHELBIE SEEBERG NAMED SPRING 2022 VALEDICTORIAN Women’s fencing senior Shelbie Seeberg was honored for her work in the classroom last spring, as she was named the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs Valedictorian. Seeberg, who graduated Summa Cum Laude, finished her undergraduate career with three bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science, Urban and Regional Studies and Environmental Studies. As a member of the CSU Honors College, Seeberg also obtained a pair of minors in Biology and Sustainable Urban Development.

Seeberg is currently working as a GIS Intern for Cleveland State Energy Policy Center, and will be returning to Cleveland State in the fall to pursue a master’s degree.

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TICKETING During the 2021-22 academic year fans were back in the stands at Cleveland State athletic events, with more than 50,000 fans in attendance at home contests throughout the year. A large part of last year’s attendance was due to 350+ season ticket holder accounts for the sports of men’s basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling.

Thanks to a Horizon League Championship run during the 2020-21 season, the men’s basketball team saw a 52-percent increase in season ticket accounts, while the 2,000+ fans that came to each game at the Wolstein Center marked the highest average attendance in over eight years and a 36-percent increase from the 2019-20 season.

2021-22 REVENUE GENERATION

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Annual Giving.......................................................................................................................................... $1,000,000+ ..................... Sport Specific, Capital & Facility Improvements,Viking Fund, and Endowments & Scholarships Corporate Partnerships..........................................................................................................................$400,000+ ............................................................................................ Renewed & New Corporate Sponsorship Agreements Ticketing.........................................................................................................................................................$240,000+ ................................................................................................................................ Season, Individual & Group Tickets

REVENUE GENERATION

REVENUE GENERATION THE VIKING FUND In its third year of existence, The Viking Fund - Cleveland State Athletics’ Annual Giving Program - grew its membership by 85-percent, providing financial assistance to 340+ student-athletes.

In addition to annual giving, the Vikings also benefitted from successful campaigns with Giving Day, This City Is Our Campus Raffle, Capital Project Funding, Individual Sport Restricted Accounts, and more.

2022 CSU GIVING DAY Over 2,200 individual donors supported Cleveland State Athletics on the ninth annual Giving Day, raising over $385,000 during the 24-hour fundraising campaign. Once again, your support allowed the Vikings to have another record-breaking Giving Day, with a 13-percent growth in number of donors and a 21-percent increase in dollars raised from a year ago.

Funds raised on Giving Day directly benefitted the athletic teams of your choosing or the Viking Fund.

#ThisCityIsOurCampus RAFFLE The Cleveland State Athletics Department introduced the #ThisCityIsOurCampus Raffle last August, raising nearly $7,000 dollars during the three-month campaign. Fans had multiple chances to win various Cleveland themed prize packs throughout the fall season, as seven winners were randomly selected at home events during the months of August, September and October.

Funds raised during the #ThisCityIsOurCampus raffle benefitted the needs of the entire department.

2021-22 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS Viking Fund Membership.......................................................................................$137,300+ Capital Projects..........................................................................................................$232,757+ Endowment........................................................................................................................$53,520 Team Restricted........................................................................................................... $173,805 CSU Giving Day/#ThisCityIsOurCampus Raffle........................................... $381,900 Other....................................................................................................................................$20,757

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Sport Specific Giving Capital + Facility Improvements 20%

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TEAM SPECIFIC COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS Throughout the year, Cleveland State athletic teams were actively involved in the Cleveland community, giving back to a city that supports the Vikings on and off the court. Highlights of individual team initiatives include lacrosse hosting its inaugural Mental Health Awareness Game and men’s and women’s basketball once again honoring the legendary John McLendon.

Lacrosse’s ‘You Are Never Alone’ campaign helped bring recognition to - and raise funds for - the CSU Counseling Center, while men’s and women’s basketball highlighted John McLendon’s work as a coach, educator and leader in conjunction with the Horizon League.

DEPARTMENT-WIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVES As a department, Cleveland State recorded numerous hours of community service during the 2021-22 season, interacting with the Cleveland community through a variety of initiatives. Included in Cleveland State’s department-wide community service projects were reading programs with the 2nd & 7 Foundation, MedWish International, Adopt-A-Family holiday program, Lift Up Vikes! food drives, and many others.

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The Vikings also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX - the landmark federal law signed on June 23, 1972 - throughout the month of June, highliting current student-athletes, former Vikings, CSU coaches and administrators that have worked tirelessly throughout the years to Celebrate. Recognize. Inspire. equality in higher education.

ChampionsIN THE COMMUNITY

VIKING FAMILY ADDITIONS NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS Throughout the 2021-22 academic year, the Cleveland State Athletics Department welcomed eight new staff members and 14 new coaches, adding multiple years of experience and knowledge to the Viking Family.

In addition, a trio of Vikings were promoted during the year, with Jason Hudson being named the Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field, Travis Lewis becoming a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach and Tim Bilbrey transitioning to Assistant Ad, Sports Performance.

2021-22 NEW HIRES Jaimie Bessmer.......................................................................................... Head Coach, Cheer Chelsea Blakely...................................................................Deputy AD, External Operations Kevin Devrient..............................................................Athletics Communications Specialist Bob Dunn.......................................................................Assistant Coach, Women’s Basketball James Evans.................................................Assistant Coach, Cross Country/Track & Field PJ Farrell............................................................................................................. Director, esports Christine Griffith................................................... Head Coach, Men’s & Women’s Fencing Jermaine Henderson....................................................... Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball Trey Keeley........................................................................................ Assistant Coach, Lacrosse Leslie Masterpaul....................................................Assistant AD, Marketing & Engagement Erik Mathis....................................................................................... Associate AD, Compliance Connor Murrell....................................................Director of Operations, Men’s Basketball Matt Oberlin......................................Senior Associate AD, Business & Facility Operations Steve Payne......................................................................... Special Assistant, Men’s Basketball Erin Pond...............................................................................................Assistant Coach, Softball Daniyal Robinson.....................................................................Head Coach, Men’s Basketball Matt Schaefer.......................................................................... Assistant AD, Communications Jay Shunnar......................................................................... Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball Jorge Vasquez.......................................................... Assistant Director, Sports Performance Ryan Williams...............................................................................Head Coach, Women’s Golf Mike Wojcik................................................................................ Director, Athletics Equipment

DANIYAL ROBINSON NAMED 17TH MEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH On April 6, 2022 Daniyal Robinson was officially named the 17th head coach in Cleveland State men’s basketball history. Robinson joins the Vikings with over 20 years of experience at the NCAA Division I level, including stints as an assistant coach at Iowa State and Loyola (Chicago).

Joining Robinson on the sidelines for the upcoming 2022-23 campaign will be assistant coaches Jermaine Henderson, Jay Shunnar and Travis Lewis, along with Director of Basketball Operations Connor Murrell and Special Assistant to the Head Coach Steve Payne.

Jermaine Henderson

Jay Shunnar

Travis Lewis

Connor Murrell

Steve Payne

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CLEVELAND STATE ON ESPN Cleveland State fans around the world were able to watch the Vikings compete last year, as 240,000+ viewed Cleveland State Athletics events, including a handful of contests on national TV. Ten different Cleveland State teams appeared on the ESPN family of networks throughout the year, including multiple championship performances.

For the upcoming 2022-23 academic year, the primary way to watch your Vikings will be via ESPN/ESPN+, so make sure to get your subscription today!

vs. IUPUI Cleveland State Volleyball ESPN+ • NCAA

Cleveland State ESPN+ • NCAA vs. RMU Basketball

GET CONNECTED WITH @CSU_ATHLETICS Cleveland State student-athletes have incredible stories to share and your chance to see them first is by following the Vikings on social media. Last year, Cleveland State Athletics (@CSU_Athletics) was able to reach 29,655 fans through the Instagram platform, while the Vikings made 1,787,200 impressions on its Twitter account.

In addition, the Vikings launched a new Fan App last year, partnering with From Now On to reach a broader audience with news, stats & more coming right to your phone.

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WHAT’S NEXT 2021-25 ATHLETICS STRATEGIC PLAN In August of 2021 the Cleveland State Athletics Department released its 2021-25 Strategic Plan, which was created around the CSU Athletics Promise of ‘Providing our student-athletes a transformational experience; investing ourselves in their development as people, students and athletes’. Built on five core operating principles - Enhance the CSU Mission, Attract Championship Caliber Vikings, Develop Unprecedented Community Support, Share Our Accomplishments, and Embrace Compliance - the Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for success that CSU Athletics will look to implement over a five-year timeframe.

To learn more about the Athletics Strategic Plan, visit CSUVikings.com/StrategicPlan2021.

50 YEARS OF WOODLING GYMNASIUM The Vikings will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodling Gymnasium during the 202223 academic year, highlighting the Moments That Matter through the Woodling Gymnasium Enhancement Campaign. The campaign will highlight the Cleveland State volleyball, wrestling and fencing teams - which currently compete there - along with the former Viking sports that also called Woodling Gymnasium home.

Check CSUVikings.com during the year to see all of the Moments That Matter content.

CELEBRATE. RECOGNIZE. INSPIRE. Cleveland State will continue it’s Title IX Celebrate. Recognize. Inspire. campaign throughout the 2022-23 academic year, highlighting extraordinary performances, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. The content will include expanded coverage on the Championship, Valedictorian, Inspiration, and Voice Series’ that were featured throughout the month of June.

To view the 50th anniversary content, visit CSUVikings.com/TitleIXCelebration.

2022 VIKING DERBY Cleveland State Athletics is excited to be hosting the sixth annual ‘Viking Derby - A Night At The Races’ fundraising event on Saturday, August 13 to benefit 340+ student-athletes as they work to become champions in the classroom, in the community and through competition. This year’s Viking Derby will feature 10 virtual horse races, 50/50 side boards, raffle baskets, silent auction, derby themed food, and much more.

To purchase tickets for the 2022 Viking Derby, visit CSUVikings.com/2022VikingDerby.

WHAT’S NEXT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Cleveland State Athletics continued to make Mental Health Awareness a priority during the year, providing support through the Viking Integrative Performance (VIP) Team and Team Psychiatrist Dr. Mayur Pandya. In addition, the athletic department works closely with the CSU Counseling Center to provide confidential resources to student-athletes in need. Looking forward to the 2022-23 academic year, the Athletic Training staff will work with SAAC to participate in mental health initiatives, while also providing mental health resources to the entire student-athlete population.

TEAMWORKS In Fall 2022, Cleveland State Athletics will officially unveil a new partnership with Teamworks, a premier engagement platform designed to streamline and unify athletic department operations. Through ‘Teamworks Hub’, the athletic department will provide student-athletes, coaches and staff with a centralized platform and app to streamline organizational workflows, increase communication and collaborate and enhance engagement efforts through the sharing of information, announcements and resources across teams and departments.

NAME, IMAGE, LIKENESS Cleveland State Athletics is looking forward to announcing a partnership with a third party provider to support our student-athletes in their pursuit of Name, Image and Likeness opportunities. This partnership will include a centralized platform that will provide student-athletes with access to educational resources, brand development tools, a market place to find opportunities, and compliance tracking support.

CLEVELAND STATE CAMPUS FACILITIES MASTER PLAN In January of 2022 Cleveland State University announced a partnership with Sasaki to create a 10-year campus master plan to design and guide the development of its physical campus to support CSU 2.0 - the university’s aggressive, growth-oriented strategic plan.

The planning process includes four phases - analysis of existing conditions, development of initial concepts and scenarios, development of advanced campus scenario, and documenting and creating the plan and final report - and has an anticipated completion of summer 2022.

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For our great colors we shall fight!

To battle,Vikings all; We’ll sound the Viking Trumpet call!

We always will defend The Pride of Cleveland faithfully; For Cleveland State we’ll fight on to a victory!