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This past Sunday went in the books as a celebrated day in Cleveland sports history. The Indians clinched the top spot in the American League Wild Card race, and the Browns defeated in-state rival Cincinnati to move into first place in the AFC North. But, there was one other accomplishment during the day that involved Cleveland sports—somewhat—that likely will go unnoticed by most. Team "STU MAN Group," assembled in support of 1985 ����APP graduate Dave Stuczynski, broke the state fundraising record for the Walk to Defeat ALS at Progressive Field, home of the aforementioned Cleveland Indians. Stuczynski, a 2009 inductee of the university's Spartan Club Hall of Fame, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in the spring. Sunday, he was joined by members of the ����APP men's basketball team— as well as droves of his family and friends—in becoming the largest group to participate in the 14-year history of the Cleveland Walk to Defeat ALS. Often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. A number of Stuczynski's former teammates, current friends and family assembled the "STU Man Group" to walk in Sunday's event. Led by friend and business partner Todd Sherwood, the group shattered its original goal and raised $89,000 to donate in Stuczynski's name. Known by many as "Stu", Stuczynski played tight end and wide receiver for the Case Western Reserve football team during the mid-1980s, one of the winningest eras in school history. Stuczynski was an Associated Press All-American his junior year and an Associated Press and Pizza Hut All-American during his senior season. He also played for the Spartan basketball team and remains one of its most involved alumni. "I can either hide from ALS and pretend it's not happening, or I can embrace the fight and try to do whatever I can to help raise awareness," said Stuczynski. "In the midst of receiving life-altering news, Stu was thinking of others," noted Sherwood. "This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows David Stuczynski. He has always shown a genuine interest and concern for others. Whether it is through his charitable contributions with The Alzheimer's Association, fundraising efforts for Case Western Reserve, Brecksville High School, or other local schools/youth sports organizations, Stu is there asking what he can do to help rally support. According to Mary Wilson Wheelock, executive director of The ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter, "STU MAN Group" is expected to be one of the largest Walk to Defeat ALS fundraising teams across the nation this year. "I knew Sunday was going to be special when I drove down East 9th Street that morning and saw a sea of blue and grey," said 1985 graduate Dave Hollis. "It was the sight of the Spartan basketball sweatsuits and seeing Coach McDonnell pushing his 2-year-old son (Conor) in a stroller—such is the loyalty of the CWRU family. It is a shame that this wretched disease has struck such a great person like Stu. However, knowing the toughness of this amazing person, I am confident that he can beat the odds. In his typical selfless manner, Stu continues to inspire acquaintances, co-workers and close friends with his positive attitude and dedication to his family. Stu is the epitome of a successful Case Western Reserve alumnus." "Stu is a grinder, and he will fight this disease head-on," said Sherwood. "This statement has been echoed by countless friends and family members. Whether it is playing golf, pick-up hoops, business dealings, coaching, and I'm sure during his playing career at Case, Stu is definitely a grinder and does not give up. There's not a chance that Stu will stray from this as he takes on Lou Gehrig's disease.” In addition to the fundraising and team participant records set by "STU MAN Group," this year's Cleveland Walk to Defeat ALS as a whole set a record for the Northern Ohio Chapter for both pre-registered walkers (more than 1,650) and fundraising ($261,775 as of Sunday). The Northern Ohio Chapter anticipates that the Cleveland Walk will achieve nearly $290,000 this year. Last year, the Cleveland Walk raised $164,000. The record in Cleveland, prior to this year, was $187,000 and 1300 walkers, set in 2011.