Through the
Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past. This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.
MARK SCHAUKOWITCH
- Mark attended Sonoma State University for three years, earning a degree in sociology in 2002. A leader on one of the best teams in school history, Mark still ranks 9th with 14 career wins. In 2001, Mark went 7-3 with a 3.36 ERA to help lead the Cossacks to a 50-12 record. Since graduation, he has served the California Highway Patrol, keeping the highways of California safe.
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
My entire student athlete experience at Sonoma State was memorable, however one experience stands out, the 2001 CCAA Tournament in Chico. I had my worst game as a starting pitcher and got shelled by Pomona. I believed I had let my coaches and teammates down by putting us (#1 seed) in a win or go home situation, immediately putting our backs against the wall. What happened over the next 48 hours made me realize how big of a team sport baseball really is. Our team beat Chico State, Pomona, the San Bernardino twice to claim the CCAA championship. Our 2001 team did something that I didn't think we could do, but my teammates and coaches proved otherwise.
How do you think you changed as a person during your time at Sonoma State?
I transferred to Sonoma State from a Skyline junior college. I was just a walk-on along with a lot of other players and I chose Sonoma State for the school, in case baseball didn't work out. My first year was below average and the next two turned into something I could not have imagined. I matured mentally and was given a chance by Coach Goelz. I seized the opportunity and Coach Goelz became the single most influential person in my life, outside my immediate family. Coach Goelz used the game of baseball to teach me lessons to carry on in life. I arrived at Sonoma State a 20 year old kid and left a 22 year old man with a drive to be a good person, because of Coach Goelz.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
You need to understand that you are being afforded an incredible opportunity to play college athletics. There are thousands of people your age that would kill to be in your shoes. Have as much fun as possible, but be extremely responsible. Make smart decisions and realize that actions have consequences and if you make a bad choice, everything you have battled to get could be gone in the blink of an eye.
What are you up to these days?
I live in the Bay Area, am married to my wonderful wife (Andrea) and have two boys (JJ and Logan), ages 3 and 1. I am a California Highway Patrol Officer, as I have been since I graduated from Sonoma State in 2002. I am currently assigned to the Golden Gate Division K9 Unit. I am fortunate enough to have a Dual Purpose Explosive/Patrol Detection K9 partner that I get work with named Brandon, a 2 year old German Shepard. I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids and doing whatever kind of activities those crazy boys decide will be fun for the day.
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
Sonoma State was smallerl when I was a student than it is now. Being a smaller school it was almost as if it was a small family (especially in the athletic department). Everyone knew almost everyone and they took care of each other. The California Highway Patrol has that same type of family mentality. If anyone in our department is in need, whether they wear a uniform or are a civilian employee, they have about 11,000 others that would be willing to take the shirt off their back for that person, even if they work at the opposite end of the state. I began to learn that type of mentality at Sonoma State, and knew I wanted a career that had the same atmosphere. I was lucky enough to find it and love what I do.
ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics. The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics. Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff. Sign up here:
Varsity S Club.
See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:
Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.
