Cleveland State University Athletics: A Legacy of Growth and Competition
Cleveland State University's athletic program, known as the Cleveland State Vikings, has a rich history that mirrors the university's own evolution. From its humble beginnings as Fenn College to its current status as a Division I competitor, Cleveland State has fostered a tradition of athletic achievement and community engagement.
From YMCA Roots to NCAA Division I
Cleveland State University's historical roots go back to the 19th century. During the 1880s, the Cleveland YMCA began to offer day and evening courses to students who did not otherwise have access to higher education. The YMCA program was reorganized in 1906 as the Association Institute, and this in turn was established as Fenn College in 1929. A significant contribution of Fenn College was its pioneering work in developing internships for students in engineering and business. These internships, as joint ventures between the college and local businesses and industries, provided students with professional contacts and experience as well as an affordable education.
The Cleveland State Vikings have competed in NCAA Division I since 1972. Before as Fenn College they were known as the Fenn College Foxes or Fenn Foxes. They were previously members of the NCAA College Division, a precursor to NCAA Division II. The university is a member of the Horizon League (1994-present), the Mid-American Conference (2019-present) for wrestling, and the Northeast Conference (2024-present) for men's lacrosse. Cleveland State was formerly in the Mid-Continent Conference (1982-1994) and North Star Conference (1989-1992). Cleveland State previously fielded baseball, men's cross country as well as men and women's track and field. As Fenn College they fielded men's ice hockey and rifle. Cleveland State has a number of club sports as well.
A Viking's Identity: Colors and Mascot
The official colors of Cleveland State University are forest green and white. These colors are proudly displayed on the Vikings' uniforms and throughout the university's athletic facilities. The mascot, known simply as "Vike," embodies the spirit and tenacity of the university's athletic teams.
Conference Affiliations
Cleveland State's athletic teams have participated in several conferences throughout their history, reflecting the university's growth and evolving athletic landscape. Currently, the Vikings are members of the following conferences:
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- Horizon League (1994-present): The primary conference for most of Cleveland State's athletic programs.
- Mid-American Conference (2019-present): Home to the Vikings' wrestling program.
- Northeast Conference (2024-present): The conference for men's lacrosse.
McCafferty Trophy Success
The McCafferty Trophy is awarded by the Horizon League to the school with the best overall athletic performance in all the sponsored sports. Cleveland State has won the award twice, in 2008 and 2013.
A Look at Specific Sports
Men's Basketball
Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball is the men's college basketball team that represents Cleveland State University. Prior to rebranding from Fenn College, they were known as the Fenn College Foxes. Cleveland State has been in Division I since 1972 and are currently led by first-year head coach Rob Summers. They have been a member of the Horizon League since 1994. Cleveland State was formerly in the Mid-Continent Conference (1982-1994). Prior to 1982, Cleveland State was an independent program. The Vikings have appeared in three NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2021.
The 1985-86 season is arguably the most memorable in Vikings history, as they achieved the improbable in becoming the first ever 14th seeded team to make it to the Sweet Sixteen of the 1986 NCAA tournament. Coach Kevin Mackey's squad, led by Ken 'Mouse' McFadden and Eric Mudd, upset Bobby Knight's 3rd seeded Indiana Hoosiers, by a final of 83-79. Following a 75-69 second round win against 6th seeded St.Joseph's, the Vikings would ultimately lose to Navy 71-70 on a clutch basket in the waning seconds by future Hall of Famer, David Robinson. On Monday, December 15, 2008, Cleveland State had their biggest regular season victory in school history, upsetting the #11 Syracuse Orange, 72-69, on a last-second, three-quarter court shot from senior guard Cedric Jackson.
WARF 1350 AM serves as the flagship station for CSU men's basketball, with Al Pawlowski as the announcer.
Baseball
Baseball at Cleveland State was played for a total of 69 seasons. On May 2, 2011, Clevleland State University announced that they would eliminate the baseball team.
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Men's Lacrosse
CSU competed as an independent for its first five men's lacrosse seasons. Cleveland State University to Add Men's Lacrosse Program," Cleveland State University Athletics, Monday, March 30, 2015. Vikings Drop Inaugural Contest to Michigan, 13-8," Cleveland State University Athletics, Saturday, February 4, 2017. ASUN Conference Announces Formation of Men's Lacrosse League" (Press release). ASUN Conference. February 5, 2021. NEC Men's Lacrosse Adds Cleveland State and Robert Morris As Associates Ahead of 2024-25 Return" (Press release). Northeast Conference. November 7, 2023.
Other Sports
Cleveland State dropped tennis as a sport following the 1991-1992 school year. Women's Track & Field ceased to exist after the 199? season.
Viking Crew is a successful coed club crew. Each year the team travels around the nation to compete against other top collegiate crew. In 2006 the team's lightweight men's four traveled to Boston to race in the Head of the Charles Regatta. In 2007 and 2009 the team raced at Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta with over 37 boats in their race.
Esports
Now they have inaugurated a new Esports Lab in Fenn Hall on September 24, 2024, located within the Washkewicz College of Engineering. This marks a major advancement for the university's esports program, which previously operated off-campus at the Cavs Legion Lair. The creation of the dedicated lab was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from Dr. Susan Carver and Dr. Richard Schoephoerster. Their support, along with efforts from the FAST and IS&T staff, ensured the lab was ready for use by student-athletes in August. PJ Farrell, Director of Esports, expressed enthusiasm for the new space, emphasizing its role in strengthening the program and creating opportunities for growth. The lab also supports CSU's involvement in major esports events, such as high school playoffs and collegiate tournaments.
The Possibility of Football
On October 14, 2008, Cleveland State University President Michael Schwartz stated "he wants a blue ribbon panel to give him a recommendation on the football team before July 1 when he is scheduled to retire. He also said the program will have to be structured to pay for itself." On November 19, 2008, it was revealed that President Schwartz had chosen the committee members to explore the feasibility of football at Cleveland State. On October 9, 2009, it was announced the university had completed its feasibility study. From April 12-14, 2010 the Cleveland State Student Government Association polled students online about whether they favored football at Cleveland State. The fee that would be instituted will cover operating costs for the football team. This would include staff salaries, equipment, travel, insurance, and medical care.
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