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Timeline Wall Update – 2022

Thank and a tip-of-the-swim-cap to Pieter Ritz, Hannah Burandt and Mike Lehto for updating the CSU Swim-Dive Heritage Timeline wall.  Now current through the ’21-’22 season.

How ’bout we all thank them by making a Giving-Day donation of any amount on February 16th.  Direct link to the swim/dive donation page is here:
 https://www.csugivingday.com/amb/swimdive23.

Just think how great the day if we WIN by scoring the most donations, add momentum to the donation kitty, and help Hannah WIN the ambassador trophy.

PLUS – put yourself in the the pool or on the deck at IU and imagine how much your support means to the TEAM as they compete at the Horizon League Championships Feb 15-18.

Here are the updates to the timeline wall:

You can review the timeline back to 1931 here:
 http://csuvikings-swim-dive-heritage.com/timeline-wall/

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE support our team;  donate here:
 https://www.csugivingday.com/amb/swimdive23.

A Towering Update to The Robert F. Busbey Natatorium

Remember the photo update on the diving tower renovation provided by Mike Lehto, our Coordinator of Athletics Facilities, and former CSU Swim/Dive alum and coach, from Coach Burandt’s October 15th State of the Program video ?

Check out two major differences between Mike’s October update and the pictures from last Saturday:

1) The freshly painted and striped pool now has water in it, and 2) the steep ladders to the 3-meter boards and 5 meter tower have been replaced with stairs.  We leave it to the many divers, and swimmers, to pass along their comments as to the numerous other major changes (and your favorite minor ones). 

CSU has viewed this project as a major priority and has worked tirelessly to properly fund and complete the project.

And please, please, please use giving day Tuesday Feb 16 as an opportunity to show your support for our teams and Cleveland State University, and to help our Women’s and Men’s teams once again win the prize for the largest number of donors of any team on CSU Giving Day ’21.

As with all Giving Day  promotions, we encourage every team member and their families, friends, and alumni to make individual donations of any amount.  As we’ve been saying for many years now, “Just Push the Button” :).   If you are able to contribute a larger amount to fund team immediate needs or scholarships you might consider a few facts concerning the diving tower renovations:  The towers are $10 meters high, which converts to approximately $32.81 feet or $393.70 inches.

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION OF ANY SIZE TO SUPPORT OUR TEAMS 
( bit.ly/csutower21 )

Click on any photo below to see full-size images.

 

Wally Morton Locker Room Dedication Caps Extra Mile Campaign

Saturday October 5th, 2019 was a big day for Wally Morton, The Robert F. Busbey Natatorium and the teams who swim and dive there. Thanks to the generous support of CSU Swimming & Diving family, friends, and alumni worldwide, the newly renovated women’s and men’s locker rooms were opened for public viewing and dedicated in Wally’s honor.

This event was another major milestone of the Champions Campaign launched in 2009 by Wally and Joe Stockwell. The installation of the video board, record board and championship flags from 2011 through 2014 was followed with eye-popping graphics that captured 9 decades of Fenn/CSU swim/dive heritage as part of the Heritage Project dedication in 2015.   

The new locker rooms unveiled today were redesigned to provide a unified space for the men and a more open space for the women.  And new showers. 

And new lockers.  Open, waterproof, sharp looking lockers. The co-stars of the lockers were the 68 acrylic panels with custom laser-engraved sponsor names complete with way-cool LEDs. Student athlete names are on the top of their locker. Upon graduation, their name, year and major will be added under the sponsor name.  Over decades these forever bonds will create 68 groups of closely linked “VIKES FOR LIFE”.

A shout out to Sean Mulvin for spearheading the concept of using CSU technology and, joined by DJ Arslanian and Bob Lenart, design and fabrication of each nameplate in the Dan T. Moore MakerSpace.

The “Extra Mile Program”, so called because donors who contributed $1,650  became locker sponsors, was another reminder of the “Team is Forever” and “Excellence in All We Do” sprit that has continuously driven the Fenn/CSU swimming & diving program.  A program continuously driven by friends and alumni past, present and future – truly VIKES FOREVER !

You can READ MORE, about the messages honoring Wally from President Sands, AD Scott Garrett and Head Coach Hannah Burandt courtesy of Spencer Kowitz. For a truly inspirational tribute to Wally Listen to the keynote from Bill Dorenkott, CSU alumni and Head Coach of the Ohio State team. You can also view PHOTOS FROM THE DEDICATION CEREMONY.

CLICK IMAGE for Hi-Res PDF of Donor Recognition Panel

Kudos to many who made this day possible, and for them we pass along “One Clap”  in the Busbey/Morton tradition (Read Wally’s inspiring  Dedication Comments). – – To the 183 friends and alumni who contributed $200,000+ to make the Wally Morton locker rooms a reality (click DRP image to see names):  * * *  To Scott Garrett, Tyler Jones, Hannah Burandt and the many other Athletic Department staff whose vision and planning made dedication day so special for Wally and those who attended – – To the Student Design Team, Extra Mile Committee and Design and Construction Team (click DRP image to see names) for bringing Wally and Joe’s vision to life. * * *

We’d be remis if we did not pass along our sincere thanks to Dwayne Wilson and the CSU teams he represents in bringing these locker rooms to life.  As our CSU Project Manager he worked with our team from day one to complete the bid documents, select contractors, coordinate with CSU maintenance and facility teams and manage the project to completion. Without his guidance, tenacity and optimism in navigating the many processes and procedures required along the way we would not be here today.   

Wayne’s  contributions go beyond a CLAP.  The Extra Mile team honors Dwayne, his team and the many other internal CSU teams he represents with a plaque in the locker rooms. We truly appreciate all you have done for the CSU Swimming & Diving Program. 

While not on Saturday’s agenda, the corroded plaques honoring those who sponsored a swimming lane or diving board in support of the Busbey Natatorium Dedication-1999 were replaced with new “Heritage” graphics.  And new CSU Team Graphics were added to the space behind the “TV Platform”.

The Team Home is the Locker Room

Now is the time to make a significant difference for the Cleveland State University Swimming & Diving program and go the extra mile.  It’s is one of the single biggest factors in creating a championship environment and more importantly a Championship Result! The spanking new locker rooms of 1974 have barely been touched since the Busbey Natatorium opened. 

The Men’s and Women’s Varsity Locker Rooms need an upgrade after five decades of championship use!

The Extra Mile Leader-Locker Brochure    

Extra Mile Campaign – Donate or See Updates 

Think back to your years on The Team for CSU Swim/Dive alums and for all others involved in a team at a high level. Obviously the usual daily task of a two or three time a day practice routine is storage of clothing, showers and other hygiene functions. But much more occurs and it is critical to the success of the Team. The Locker room is where the origins of pride, work ethic and meaningful relationships that last a lifetime occur. It’s where the unfiltered conversations and inspiriting remarks spontaneously arise by team members when not in the presence of their Coaches. It’s where Team Motivational Meetings are held when both Coaches are present prior to Meet and After Meets. ! Some of my greatest memories are in those locker rooms!  It’s also a key component in recruiting and where prospective student athletes experience Viking Pride.  The Sport Home is the Locker Room!

Anyone who has ever swum or dove at CSU understands that resources are limited. I always say we are swimming upstream. Even though normal maintenance and cleaning tasks are performed by the University staff, it is not possible to complete upgrades consistent with a successful program.  Fortunately we have the strongest group of loyal support of any sport at CSU. We are asking for you to get back on the Diving Boards and the Starting Blocks to provide a critical missing component for the long team health of the Program we love!

For the next few weeks there will be focus on finishing strong on the Locker Room project. We already are off to a great start through generous leadership gifts by our alums. We have passed the halfway point to our goal. We will reach our goal with the help of not only our alums but team members, parents, friends of swimming/diving, and other community support.

Let us all be part of THE TEAM and continue to give opportunity for continued GREATNESS for CSU Swimming & Diving! 

We’re looking for Leadership Gifts of $5,000 or more, or locker sponsorships of $1,650.  Donations of any level of course are always welcome.  

Here’s a direct link to the Extra Mile campaign page where you can see the status of our campaign and make your donation

Thank you so much for your support of our team and the university,
Wally Morton,  Swim Coach Emeritus and Forever a Viking     

Curtis Roden – On Board for Giving Day

Every dollar raised for the The Robert F. Busbey Athletic Scholarship, the Frank Tilocco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, and the Tom Smolinski Endowed Diving Scholarship go towards helping our student athletes achieve their current and future goals. Below are a few words from junior Curtis Roden expressing his thanks, and the career path he’s able to pursue because of this financial assistance.

CURTIS RODEN

“Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Cleveland State Swimming and Diving team! Your support has given, and will continue to give, so many the opportunity to be a successful student-athlete. The Tom Smolinski Endowed Scholarship and the Frank Tilocco Jr. Memorial Scholarship are giving me the chance to dive as I pursue my goal to be a physical therapist. These two scholarships memorialize the lives of two people who have brought so much to the Vikings and everyone in their lives. I feel honored to receive them.”

Read more about each scholarship:

Tom Smolinski Endowed Diving Scholarship

Tom Smolinski, one of CSU’s greatest divers and class of ’99 graduate, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in 2015. A strong, fun-loving individual, Tom is remembered as always having a smile on his face and a joke to share with his friends and teammates. Tom’s legacy lives on through a scholarship to honor his life and to strengthen the men’s and women’s swimming and diving program.

The Frank Tilocco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Frank Tilocco, Jr. was a dedicated member of the diving team who died in a car accident in 1981, when he was a sophomore. He’s remembered as a popular and loved member of the team. In remembrance of his love of diving and CSU, this scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete in the diving program at CSU.

The Robert F. Busbey Athletic Scholarship

Robert F. Busbey, 4-sport letterman and the schools first all-american, former Cleveland State University athletic director, vice president and head swimming coach impacted the University’s sports program, from 1946 – 1994, as only few men have at any collegiate institution. During his coaching tenure, he was named the 1964 U.S.A. assistant swim coach for the Olympic team, served as chairman of the NCAA swimming committee and was responsible for bringing five NCAA swimming and diving championships to CSU. Bob received the 1982 national collegiate and scholastic swimming trophy – one of the sports’ highest awards. Unanimously voted a charter member of the Cleveland State Athletic Hall of Fame, he devoted 49 years of his life to the school where he was educated and employed. The Robert F. Busbey Athletic Scholarship, funded primarily by former Busbey student-athletes,  provides assistance to deserving member of the swimming and diving teams.

 

Thank you again to all of our donors!!

GO VIKES!

On Deck with Jamie Vandewerker & Jonathon LaValle

Every dollar raised for the The Robert F. Busbey Athletic Scholarship, the Frank Tilocco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, and the Tom Smolinski Endowed Diving Scholarship go towards helping our student athletes achieve their current and future goals. Below are a few words from seniors Jamie Vandewerker and Jonathon LaValle, expressing their thanks, and how this financial assistance has impacted their lives

JAMIE VANDEWERKER

“Receiving the Busbey endowed scholarship as allowed me to be a part of a university and swim program that gave me the skills to be successful at CSU. I have grown so much from my time here and now I will get to transfer what I have learned to my graduate school program. However, it is not only about financial assistance, having a scholarship from this fund directly links me to the history of Cleveland State swimming and shows me that our team has a network of people in the world that are supporting us and want to see us succeed at CSU and beyond.”

JONATHON LAVALLE

“Hello! My name is Jonathon LaValle and thanks to the Busbey Endowed Scholarship I am able to compete for Cleveland State University and pursue my undergraduate degree in Finance and Economics. I am from Kansas, which has no male collegiate swim teams, so it’s because of your generous donations that I am able to afford the out-of-state tuition at Cleveland State. Swimming for CSU has opened so many doors, given me countless experiences, and introduced me to many life-long friends. Thank you for donating to CSU swimming and diving and allowing me, and many other student athletes, the opportunity to pursue their passion both in the classroom and in athletics. GO VIKES!!”

 

See below for more information about each scholarship:

Tom Smolinski Endowed Diving Scholarship

Tom Smolinski, one of CSU’s greatest divers and class of ’99 graduate, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in 2015. A strong, fun-loving individual, Tom is remembered as always having a smile on his face and a joke to share with his friends and teammates. Tom’s legacy lives on through a scholarship to honor his life and to strengthen the men’s and women’s swimming and diving program.

The Frank Tilocco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Frank Tilocco, Jr. was a dedicated member of the diving team who died in a car accident in 1981, when he was a sophomore. He’s remembered as a popular and loved member of the team. In remembrance of his love of diving and CSU, this scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete in the diving program at CSU.

The Robert F. Busbey Athletic Scholarship

Robert F. Busbey, 4-sport letterman and the schools first all-american, former Cleveland State University athletic director, vice president and head swimming coach impacted the University’s sports program, from 1946 – 1994, as only few men have at any collegiate institution. During his coaching tenure, he was named the 1964 U.S.A. assistant swim coach for the Olympic team, served as chairman of the NCAA swimming committee and was responsible for bringing five NCAA swimming and diving championships to CSU. Bob received the 1982 national collegiate and scholastic swimming trophy – one of the sports’ highest awards. Unanimously voted a charter member of the Cleveland State Athletic Hall of Fame, he devoted 49 years of his life to the school where he was educated and employed. The Robert F. Busbey Athletic Scholarship, funded primarily by former Busbey student-athletes,  provides assistance to deserving member of the swimming and diving teams.

 

Thank you again to all of our donors!!

GO VIKES!

 

Kids Kicking Cancer 2017

On Saturday, our viking family welcomed over 20 kids who are either currently fighting, or who have beaten the fight against cancer and other blood disorders. This annual event is hosted by the Kid’s Kicking Cancer program located out of the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. Both men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams participated in Saturday’s festivities for the 10th consecutive year.

For those unfamiliar with the Kid’s Kicking Cancer program, their mission is to encourage young patients and survivors to live active, fun, and healthy lifestyles. They hold free clinics for swimming, basketball, soccer, golf and more! Kids Kicking Cancer partners with both professional and collegiate athletes to give the kids an experience they will never forget. The Kids Kicking Cancer program is free of charge and welcomes children and adolescents, either on or off treatment, no matter where they receive medical care.

Saturday’s event consisted of an inspirational talk from head coach, Paul Graham, as well as a look into a “day in the life of a college athlete” from Junior Mac Lewis, and senior Jonathon LaValle. After that it was pool time!  The water activities included (but were definitely not limited to) everything from technique work, chicken fights, flips into the pool, kick board baseball, and creating their own whirlpool!  After everyone had exhausted all of their energy, there was a pizza lunch to finish off the afternoon.

Our student athletes had an absolute blast. Freshman Lexie Kostelnik gave input into what her first Kids Kicking Cancer event meant to her. “Being involved in Kid’s Kicking Cancer means so much to me because it is absolutely humbling to see how strong and spirited these children and their families are. I had so much fun spending time with all the kids, and I’ve never seen such bright smiles before…especially on my teammates!!”

Sophomore DJ Arslanian also had a few words to say about his second time attending the event. “I love participating in Kids Kicking Cancer because seeing how much fun the kids have, and how much they look forward to it makes me very happy.”

Freshman Patrick Lance has a few very special reasons why he enjoyed this event so much. “I love kids, and I’m planning on changing my major to education and special education to help them out as well. I loved this event because between friends and family, I have known six people with cancer, so I know the toll it takes on them. Any opportunity I have to distract them from the bad that’s going on, and get them to have fun and feel like a normal kid, I’m going to take it. I plan on serving in the US Marine Corps after college, and the reason I want to do so is for people like them. They inspire me with their willingness to fight. Seeing them laugh and have a great time makes me feel like I’m doing everything I could for them.”

Senior Jamie VanDewerker gave a glimpse into how Kids Kicking Cancer has impacted her over the past four years.”Every year I think Kids Kicking Cancer not only allows children who have faced such difficult things in their lives come and enjoy the pool, but the swim team really ends up playing around in the water too. It’s great to take a break and just splash around with some new friends, and realize that something as little as making a whirl pool can bring so much joy to everyone.”

The day was a huge success and we are so grateful for this partnership with Kid’s Kicking Cancer. We are already looking forward to next year’s event! Please enjoy some snapshots of all the fun below:

 

Dave Guinther Honored with Distinguished Alumni Award

Guinther-DAA-Bio_resizeDave Guinther received a CSU “Distinguished Alumni Award” during Homecoming October 5th, 2017. Dave is not one to easily accept the spot light and only did so to bring recognition to the Champion Campaign/Heritage Project and promote the CSU Viking Swimming & Diving program. He is a leader and makes everyone around him better for his presence.

Dave and his wife Jane invited the Heritage Committee, coaching staff, two current team members and friends to the award dinner, an amazing event that honored the 12 DAA recipients for 2017.

We are so proud of Dave and everyone who contributed to the Champions Campaign/Heritage Project as well as CSU giving day, an event where he has lead our friends, alumni, team and athletic department to the front of all other CSU colleges.

No one is more deserving than Dave Guinther for the Distinguished Alumni Award he received based on his career, community service and especially his impact on CSU Athletics. Guinther-1972-national champion_resizeHe exemplifies the very best of Cleveland State University.

Dave’s 3-minute thank-you video highlights his relationship with Bob Busbey, and honors those who donated their time, treasures and talents to the Champions Campaign and Heritage Project.

 

Pool West view from Deck- upper crop

 

Giving Day Results (and THANKS !) 2017

Hello Viking Nation!

For those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Hannah Mattar, and I am the new assistant swim coach here at CSU. You have all played a part in building a program with a rich history of success, and although I may be one of the newest members of viking nation, I swear on Magnus himself that I will do everything in my ability to add to this tradition. I realize I have extremely large shoes to fill, as Kate (Inozemtseva) Heafey has started her new adventure in Massachusetts…however, I am absolutely up for this challenge!

All of that being said, I am very excited to get the Heritage page up and thriving once again! I would like to start this initial post of the 2017-2018 season off with an update from last year’s Giving Day. If you have not heard the amazing news already, Swimming and Diving was able to raise an astounding $31,832! Our alumni and friends were responsible for raising almost a full twenty-five percent of the total monies raised for the university.

Please take a look at the full info-graphic below to see more statistics from Giving Day 2017.

Giving Day Infographic

I also would like to share with you exactly how YOU impacted CSU Swimming and Diving with your generous donations. We have been able to purchase an additional five power towers (bringing our total towers to ten) to increase power/resistance training. Take a look at our journey to acquire those power towers here.

We have also been able to purchase two new 3 meter diving boards, as well as eleven backstroke wedges. Take a look at our new boards in action here, and the backstroke wedges here!

This new equipment has already made a huge impact on our current athletes, and is helping each and every one of them reach their full potential! We would like to extend an extremely big THANK YOU to all who donated and who continue to support our Vikes.

Thank you -whole team picture

We are looking forward to seeing you all at our home opener this weekend against Marshall and Green Bay: Friday 11/3 @ 6:00pm, Saturday 11/4 @ 12:00pm!!

Go Vikes!

Hannah

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Jigsaw Puzzles and Championship Teams

Coach Graham’s Giving Day message is clear on the needs of the program.  And the need is NOW because the Horizon League Championships will return to The Robert F. Busbey Natatorium next year.   By donating during Giving Day 2017 you will enable our team to purchase needed equipment this year and have it installed for next season. Recruits will see it, and our team can use it in preparation for HLC 2018.  Thanks, and here’s Coach Paul’s Giving Day Message:

Championship swimming and diving programs are a lot like jigsaw puzzles – there are many pieces of varying shapes and sizes that must come together to form the perfect picture!  Talented athletes, dedicated coaches and staff, supportive family and friends, outstanding facilities are but a few of those necessary pieces.

I am writing today to talk of a very important component to championship teams…….EQUIPMENT! 

Over the past few years, I have become a BIG believer in the “power” of power training.  There are many ways to accomplish this, but the best is with the “Power Tower”.  This amazing piece of equipment (click to see it in action) allows two athletes to simultaneously swim a training session.  We were using two towers for years and recently bought three more.  Even with a total of five towers, the coaches struggle to get all athletes thru during a week’s cycle of training.  I would to see CSU with a total of ten towers.  This would allow a whole training group to complete a workout at the same time , saving the coaches valuable time to train other important aspects.

In addition to the “Power Towers”, we are looking to buy two diving boards and backstroke wedges for 10 starting blocks.  Diving boards were last purchased in 2010, with a projected life of 4-5 years.  Given the strength of today’s athletes we’re behind in our ability to provide championship capabilities – we really need new boards!  Backstroke wedges are a brand new item that has made an appearance in the last few years.  This simple piece of equipment allows for a much more stable area for the backstroker to perform their start. 

All of these items will allow your “Vikings” to train and perform at the highest level.  Your generous donation will go towards making this happen.  Please donate on CSU Giving Day and help us strive for the top of the Horizon League…………and BEYOND!

Thank You,  Coach Paul Graham