A behind-the-scenes support staff member, John "Chubby" Scott contributed a lot to the development of the Youngstown State University athletics program.
Scott joined the YSU staff after 18 years in the athletic refinishing busiÂness. That experience provided him with the solid background he needed to keep up with the rapidly changing world of intercollegiate athletics.
He served as the equipment manager for the Penguins from 1972 to 1989. During his career at Youngstown State, Scott saw many changes in YSU athletics.
He was instrumental in changing from the nylon spikes to the molded rubber soccer-style shoes. He was also reÂsponsible for outfitting the football team with the inflatable inner lining fora better fit
When Scott started at YSU, there were only three varsity teams, and those three were all men's.
But with the addition of the Beeghly Center and the women's varsity teams, Scott found himself outfitting 16 athletic teams.
It was not unusual for Scott to outfit three other YSU athletic teams before the Penguins would kick the ball off on Saturday afternoon.
It was easy to see how the addition of those 13 sports helped change the complexion of SCOWS job, and how dediÂcated he was to that YSU was well represented.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, he graduated from South High School.
He still lives in Youngstown with his wife, Ann. They have four children, Carol, William, Jerry and James.
