The Youngstown State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is pleased to announce the Jamaine Cook “Hope” Scholarship to enhance the YSU Athletics Scholarship Endowment Fund.
This scholarship was established this fall by former YSU running back Jamaine Cook. Cook, a native of Cleveland, Ohio and former running-back under Head Coach Eric Wolford was one of the top running backs in school history. He was named the YSU Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2011-12 following his junior campaign.
Cook who played at YSU from 2009-12 was a two-time team captain, two-time John Delserone MVP and multiple school-record holder. Cook helped elevate the Penguins with his leadership, work-ethic and determination. He exemplified the traits of a great teammate and champion. Signed by the Cleveland Browns as a undrafted free agent in 2013, Cook remained focused on academics graduating with an Accounting degree from YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration in 2014.
At YSU, Cook was a first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in 2011 and a second-team honoree in 2010 and 2012. Cook finished third in school history in rushing yards (4,052), fourth in carries (811), second in 100-yard rushing games (20), fifth in touchdowns (39) and first in All-Purpose Yards (5,220). He rushed for more than 1,200 yards in his final three seasons, highlight by a career-best 1,386 yards in 2011.
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage future Penguins to study business and embrace the challenges associated with being a student-athlete. Cook believes academics are of the utmost importance, because all athletic careers will eventually come to an end. As a result, Cook hopes the aforementioned “end” is actually a new and exciting beginning; the beginning of a career in business. This scholarship is a symbol of optimism, resilience and over-coming adversity in the pursuit of dreams; dreams that will one day become a reality.
This scholarship endowment will go to a YSU football student-athlete who is enrolled in the Williamson College of Business.
"The "Hope" Scholarship Endowment exemplifies my gratitude, commitment and passion for Youngstown State University,” Cook said. “YSU provided a foundation that eventually allowed me to go on and pursue my dreams both academically and athletically. YSU will continue to impact the lives of many current and future penguins both on and off of the playing field. The endowment gives me the ability to invest in that "impact" indefinitely. YSU is a place where dreams and aspirations can truly become reality and I'm thankful for the opportunity to give back and support a tremendous organization."
Paul McFadden, President of the YSU Foundation, said Cook’s work ethic and attention to detail made him successful on and off the field.
“Jamaine never took anything for granted and was diligent to be the best he could be on the field and in the classroom,” McFadden said. “Most importantly, he is an outstanding person who knows the importance of an education. He had a chance to continue a professional football career, but wanted to use his YSU experience to pursue a career in business. He has already been highly successful and we at Youngstown State are very fortunate to have him endow a scholarship.”
For more information, or to endow an athletic scholarship at Youngstown State University, contact the Dan Kopp at the YSU Foundation at (330) 941-3211 or dkopp@ysufoundation.org
