CLEVELAND, Ohio – Mike Lehto, a beloved member of the Cleveland State Athletic family, passed away unexpectedly earlier this week at the age of 62.
 
Lehto was an ambassador, mentor and friend to everyone he worked with throughout his 30-year career with the Vikings, and was known as a friendly and outgoing person who always had a smile on his face along with a cup of coffee close by.
 
Lehto dedicated his life to Cleveland State, starting as a student-athlete on the men's swim & dive team in 1984, before moving into a coaching position and then serving as part of the athletic administrative staff until he recently retired in 2024.
 
A 1986 graduate of Cleveland State University, Lehto earned a bachelor's degree in geological sciences while also competing as a member of CSU's men's swim & dive team from 1984-86.
 
Lehto then began his professional career at Cleveland State in 1994, when he was named the head women's swimming coach, serving in this role through the 2006-07 season. Following his tenure in the pool, Lehto became the Coordinator of Athletic Facilities, a role that he held for 15-plus years until his retirement in December of 2024.
 
During his time at Cleveland State, Lehto was an instrumental part in hosting countless athletic events across a variety of sports, including numerous Horizon League championship contests and postseason tournaments. In addition to his work with internal CSU events, Lehto also coordinated countless high school, club and community events, serving as an integral part of welcoming the greater Cleveland community into Busbey Natatorium.
 
His dedication to his family, friends, the swim community, and the University will be forever remembered.
 
Lehto is survived by his wife Maureen, and sons Brian, Mike, Nolan, and Sean.
 
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so during Visitation Hours on Friday, January 10 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home in Westlake (25620 Center Ridge Rd.) or by attending the Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark Parish in Cleveland (15800 Montrose Ave.).
 
Please click here to view Mike Lehto's obituary.