Our Team

Director head shot

Nick Froelich

Director

Nick Froelich is quite familiar with recreation and wellbeing — it’s given him the opportunity to live in three states and develop his skills in various positions within Student Affairs. But when an opportunity arose in Cleveland back in 2011, he took it as a chance to come back home as he is a native of Perrysburg, Ohio. After serving in three distinct roles at CSU, Nick was promoted to Director in April 2016. When he’s not at work, you can find him spending time with his family, performing home improvement projects, pouring over his fantasy sports franchises, traveling, playing golf or rooting on the Red Sox, Buckeyes, Vikings, Cavs, and Browns.

Senior Associate Director, Programming & Operations head shot

Michelle Rieger

Senior Associate Director, Programming & Operations

Michelle Rieger has been a part of the Cleveland State University team since 2013. She has thirty years of experience in recreation and leadership through a combination of parks and recreation, private recreation, and campus recreation. Her first experiences in recreation came in Aquatics and Fitness. She currently oversees the operation of the Recreation Center and the Student Center on campus. Michelle’s team is made up of staff that specialize in wellbeing programming, facility operations, marketing and strategy, risk management, and staff development. She is currently working on her dissertation for a PhD in Leadership – Health and Human Performance. When she’s not working, Michelle can be found experiencing many of Cleveland’s favorite attractions, events, restaurants, or outdoor recreation venues.

Associate Director, Business & Finance head shot

Joe Stolitza

Associate Director, Business & Finance

Joe Stolitza has been working at the Rec Center almost since its opening. He was hired as Business Manager five months after the facility opened. Joe – a.k.a. Joe Money – handles all the financial and human resources aspects of the department. He enjoys working on the variety of tasks his job brings, and strives to put in place solid business practices to meet the changing dynamics of the Rec. His favorite part of working here is working with the students and watching how the Rec is constantly changing to keep up with current fitness and wellness trends. Joe enjoys golfing and cycling in his spare time.

 

Assistant Director, Marketing & Strategic Development head shot

Matt Schmiedl

Assistant Director, Marketing & Strategic Development

After graduating from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design in 2006, Matt started working at Penton Media in downtown Cleveland doing graphic design for the Buyers Guides division. In October of 2008, he moved to Meister Media Worldwide in Willoughby, OH, fulfilling a production, design, and project management role before moving into the Marketing department. Following a nearly five-year tenure with Meister, Matt joined the CSU Campus Recreation Services in August 2013. In his time at the CSU Rec Center, Matt has developed Recreation Services’ business plans and strategic direction and cultivated the “CSU Rec” brand to support our business goals as a wellness brand. He has developed and launched a number of initiatives to catalyze business growth, and implemented new marketing strategies to build engagement with both the CSU and Cleveland communities. Matt is a 9-time NIRSA Creative Excellence Award recipient (including 1st place wins in 2014, 2019, and 2022), the recipient of a CENTERS Quest for X Award in 2017, and the winner of an APEX Award of Excellence and Magnum Opus Honorable Mention Award, both in 2011.

In addition to putting his strategic thinking and creativity to use in his work, Matt has a blast creating content on his own social media channels and engaging with people around the world. In his free time, he loves to write and record his own music, enjoys cooking and baking, exploring the diverse world of wine, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family. Additionally, Matt also has a deep passion for fitness and wellness and loves to inspire people toward healthier living. He is an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, as well as a certified Bodypump® instructor and F45 coach.

Assistant Director, Student Center Operations head shot

Jason Mandula

Assistant Director, Student Center Operations

Jason currently serves as the Assistant Director – Student Center Operations, where he implements his knowledge of campus, facility operations, and connections with other departments to enhance the experience of students at CSU.  Jason’s favorite part of the job is interaction with patrons/guests and empowering his student staff to further their professional development in order to prepare them for after graduation.  Outside of work, you can typically find Jason cooking, reading, and traveling.

Assistant Director, Fitness & Wellness Programming head shot

Katie Blodorn

Assistant Director, Fitness & Wellness Programming

Katie began her career as an elementary teacher, but what she quickly realized is that she knew she wanted to do something more, but remain in the field of education. After speaking with a mentor, she decided to pursue all things fitness and wellness. Katie had always been an athlete and loved group exercise classes during her undergraduate career which made the transition seamless. She quickly got certified, worked at big box gyms, non-profits, and boutiques, and gained the majority of her experience as a Graduate Supervisor at CSU Rec which turned into the Assistant Director role years later. 

In her spare time, you will find her at Playhouse Square, wandering around a Cleveland Metropark, or hanging with her husband and cats in Old Brooklyn. She truly loves the city of Cleveland, her role within the rec, and being able to help others navigate their way throughout their wellness journey. 

Assistant Director, Scheduling & Operations head shot

Katie Bible

Assistant Director, Scheduling & Operations

Katie has worked in various capacities at the Rec Center. After starting as a marketing intern in 2009, she has worked her way up as the Member & Guest Services Coordinator, Assistant Director of Member & Guest Services, and more recently the Assistant Director of Scheduling & Operations. She enjoys working with and mentoring students in the college setting. Katie is heavily involved with the Cleveland Volleyball community and regularly competes in sand leagues/tournaments and indoor leagues/tournaments. When she is not participating in volleyball leagues and tournaments, you can find Katie traveling, exploring Cleveland, taking Yoga classes, and working out.

Assistant Director, Facility Operations head shot

Chris Stewart

Assistant Director, Facility Operations

After graduating from Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2013, Chris began working full time with Ohio State Rec Sports as an Administrative Program Assistant. He then moved to Texas to become the Graduate Assistant of Facilities at Texas A&M University while he completed his Master’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences. Following his time in College Station, Chris moved to Austin in June 2016 where he became the Assistant Director of Indoor Satellites at The University of Texas at Austin. Following his two and a half year tenure with UT Austin, Chris joined CSU Campus Recreation Services in December 2018. In his free time Chris loves to travel, play basketball and golf, fine-tune his guitar playing abilities, and attends a variety of concerts and music festivals.

Assistant Director, Competitive Sports & Aquatics head shot

Mackenzie Lamar

Assistant Director, Competitive Sports & Aquatics

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Film and Interactive Media and Master’s Degree in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University, Mackenzie started her full-time career in campus recreation as the Coordinator of Competitive Sports & Camps in 2020. After starting as a student employee back in 2015, Mackenzie worked her way through various campus recreation areas in a multitude of positions, which helped develop her passion for the industry. Most recently, she was promoted to the Assistant Director of Competitive Sports & Aquatics, where she has the opportunity to grow another program area within University Recreation and Wellbeing. Mackenzie also coaches various F45 classes – one of our premium fitness programs here at the Rec Center! In her free time, Mackenzie likes watching new movies, reading, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

Coordinator, Building Maintenance head shot

Brian Boesch

Coordinator, Building Maintenance

Brian Boesch is one of the first people to arrive at the Recreation Center every morning. As Building Maintenance Manager, Brian arrives before sunrise to ensure the facility is up and running before it opens each day. With more than 30 years experience in the maintenance industry, Brian is very skilled at his job. His favorite part of working at the Recreation Center is working with the young student staff. He enjoys training and teaching the staff new things that they may not learn elsewhere. Brian believes the facility has progressed a lot in the past six years, and he would like to see the Recreation Center continue to bring in good quality staff members who are eager to learn and work. Brian also works for the Lake Erie Monsters and attends many hockey games in his spare time.

Coordinator, Marketing & Advertising head shot

Mikayla Colston

Coordinator, Marketing & Advertising

Mikayla started her experience with the CSU Recreation Center as a fitness instructor for Pink Gloves Boxing while she was a student at Cleveland State University. She continued on to work as a Graphic Designer and F45 instructor at the CSU Recreation Center and as an design researcher while earning her Bachelor’s degree in graphic design in 2020. She continued on as a freelance graphic designer for small businesses while working at a digital marketing agency as a visual designer before returning to the Cleveland State Recreation Center as the Coordinator of Marketing and Advertising. Outside of work, Mikayla loves volunteering and creating various pieces of artwork, including painting and music.

Coordinator, Operations & Membership Services head shot

Cameron Johnson

Coordinator, Operations & Membership Services

After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Recreation & Sport Management at Indiana State University, Cam decided to continue his studies and pursue a Master’s degree in Sport Management at Cleveland State University. Cam has years of experience in campus recreation services. Prior to coming to Cleveland State, Cam worked as a Building Supervisor and as an Operations Intern at Indiana Sate University. During his down time Cam enjoys spending time with his friends and watching sports.

Interim Coordinator - Aquatics & Safety head shot

Michael Nozak

Interim Coordinator - Aquatics & Safety

Michael started with University Recreation and Wellbeing in 2020 as one of the Graduate Supervisors of Competitive Sports & Camps after completing his bachelor of science degree in Biology. He later graduated with a master’s degree in non-profit administration in 2022, all while working at the CSU Rec Center coordinating our club sports teams, intramural sports leagues, and summer camp programs. Most recently in July 2022, Michael stepped into a full-time leadership role as the interim Aquatics & Safety Coordinator, facilitating operations and programming at the Busbey Natatorium. Outside of his work at the Rec, Michael enjoys going on hikes, relaxing with a good book, and doing his best to keep plants alive.

Building Maintenance Assistant head shot

Paul Yurko

Building Maintenance Assistant

Paul Yurko has been with the Cleveland State University Recreation Center since 2016 and is currently a full-time Building Maintenance Attendant. He is responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of the Recreation Center. He has his BFA in graphic design from North Coast college, which was formerly known as Virginia Marty College. He went back to college at the age of 45 to pursue his dream of becoming a graphic designer. He has experience in video production, Adobe creative suite, and photography. Paul’s favorite photo shoot was of Nick Chubb from the Browns. It was an experience he will never forget. He has been married to his wife Tracy for 10 years and has a great stepdaughter named Emma. He also has been a Star Wars fan since 1977, collecting merchandise from Star Wars and Marvel. He also enjoys all sports and spectating Cleveland sports team.

Graduate Supervisor, Competitive Sports & Camps head shot

Andrew Zoeckler

Graduate Supervisor, Competitive Sports & Camps

Andrew began working at the CSU Rec Center in 2016 as an Intramural Referee where he eventually became a supervisor in the department. He also held positions such as Court Monitor, Rec Attendant, Membership Rep, Operations Supervisor, and Camp Supervisor. Andrew recently graduated from CSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, as well as International Relations, and is currently attending Cleveland Marshall College of Law pursuing a J.D. He is excited to continue his work as the Graduate Supervisor of Competitive Sports and Camps and is looking forward to growing the programs the Rec Center offers. When not at work he can be found playing volleyball either for the CSU Men’s Club team or in AVP Beach Tournaments.

Graduate Supervisor, Competitive Sports & Camps head shot

Liv Doick

Graduate Supervisor, Competitive Sports & Camps

Liv has been at the Rec Center since starting as an Operations Assistant in January 2020 and has worked in several different departments over the years. After working as an office assistant for club sports and camps, she saw how much she enjoyed doing it and wanted to continue in the graduate supervisor position. Her passion for our club sports and youth camps come from being an athlete growing up and the interest to work in pediatrics when she gets into her career. While working in this role, Liv will be pursuing a doctorate in Physical Therapy after completing her bachelor’s in Health Science. In her free time, she likes to work out, spend quality time with friends, and find soccer games to watch.

Graduate Supervisor, Fitness & Wellness head shot

Liz Snow

Graduate Supervisor, Fitness & Wellness

After completing her bachelors in Exercise Science and a minor in Sports Management at Cleveland State, she decided she wasn’t done with Cleveland State (or the Rec) just yet and is currently studying for her masters in Exercise Science. Liz started as on Operations Assistant her Sophomore year of college and has worked for many of the different departments at the Rec. Her passion for fitness started by taking Zumba classes in high school which she quickly fell in love with. She now is teaching her own Zumba classes as well as F45 here at the Rec Center. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, finding the best local trails to hike, and spending time with friend, family, and her cat!   ​​​​​​

Graduate Supervisor, Marketing & Advertising head shot

Suman Kumar

Graduate Supervisor, Marketing & Advertising

Suman is currently working as a Graduate Supervisor of the Marketing Department at the recreation center. As part of his work, he utilizes his creative designing mindset, team management skills and solves real world problems with technologies. He is currently pursuing MS in Software Engineering at Cleveland State University. He is a former software engineer having 3.5 years of professional experience. As a part of his hobby, he does photography, plays guitar, and loves traveling.

Graduate Supervisor, Operations & Membership Services head shot

Maheetkumar Palliwar

Graduate Supervisor, Operations & Membership Services

Maheet began working at the CSU Rec Center in 2022 as an Operations Assistant and Membership Representative and then eventually became a Graduate Supervisor for Membership Services. Maheet earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and worked as a Software Developer for a startup in India. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science at the Washkewicz College of Engineering. He is excited to continue his work as a Graduate Supervisor for Member Services and looks forward to extending his support and expertise to the many programs offered by the Recreation Center.

Graduate Supervisor, Aquatics and Safety head shot

Griffin Manning

Graduate Supervisor, Aquatics and Safety

Griffin transferred to Cleveland State University in 2020 after spending two years the University of Louisville. Griffin completed his undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University in 2022 in Sport Management, while simultaneously competing for the CSU Swimming and Diving Team. Griffin started as a lifeguard in the Aquatics and Safety department in 2021 and began as the Graduate Supervisor of Aquatics and Safety in the Summer of 2022. While currently in his position, Griffin is continuing swimming on the CSU Swim and Dive Team using his 5th year of eligibility, while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sport and Entertainment Management. In the down time, Griffin enjoys talking with his family and friends from back home, watching sports, and hanging out with his friends.