Raymond Briya, a football letter winner from 1965-68, has played a big role in making sure the Youngstown State football student-athletes of today have much greater opportunities then those of the past.
But his passion and pride in making sure today's players know how special the privilege is to be a Penguin is his biggest contribution.
The current president of the Football Alumni Club, he helped found the group of former football players who keep long standing traditions alive while providing funds for behind-the-scenes aspects of the football program.
Briya, a graduate of YSU with a degree in business, is the CFO of ms consultants in Youngstown. Ms Consultants has been successful hiring YSU graduates with more than 50 involved with the company. Briya is a partner, treasurer and Vice President for Finance and Administration for the business.
He continues to be an active member of the Penguin Club and currently serves on the Board of Trustees.
Briya was also a key contributor on the gridiron as a three-year started at fullback. During his sophomore campaign, Briya had 55 carries for 189 yards and one touchdown. He scored on a six-yard run against Maine. The Penguins posted a 5-3-1 mark in 1966.
As a junior, Briya had 116 carries-second most on the team and 454 yards-third highest. He scored three touchdowns; all came against Baldwin-Wallace. Against the Yellow Jackets he scored on runs of nine, five, and one yard. He caught three passes for 19 yards also. In 1967, the Penguins finished with a 4-5 mark.
As a senior in 1968, Youngstown posted a 3-6 ledger. Playing for Coach Dwight Beede, he was part of the group who went to Camp Fitch each fall before the season started. Briya identified Coach Beede as a person who emphasized character, hard work and team.
He also was influenced by Tom Mosure, Sr., who followed Coach Beede's philosophy and professed the golden rule-to treat others as you would like to be treated.
A graduate of Chaney High School, Briya was an all-city selection and played in the city series Championship Game against Ursuline.
Ray and his wife Shirley live in Canfield. They have a 25-year-old daughter, Brandy.
