The Youngstown State University Department of Intercollegiate
Athletics is pleased to announce the creation of the Thomas
Christopher Smythe Memorial Athletic Scholarship to enhance the YSU
Athletics Scholarship Endowment Fund.
The Thomas Christopher Smythe Memorial Athletic Scholarship will
be awarded to a YSU student-athlete for the first time in the fall
2015. The recipient will be a student-athlete who has a zest for
life and has placed high priority on Athletic and Academic success.
Off the field they will be someone who treats others fairly and can
be a role model in the community.
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Smythe.
He will be well remembered for his athletic excellence, both as a
rugby player and coach. Having played rugby for 28 years he was
always a positive role model for players and fans. As a business
owner, he strived to help his employees excel through a pursuit of
higher education. This scholarship will carry on his love of both
education and athletics. The intent of this scholarship is to
provide financial assistance to student athletes as they seek a
college degree.
Diane Smythe, said her husband knew what sacrifices athletes
make to have success and a scholarship in his name will benefit a
student-athlete at Youngstown State.
“Our family is very passionate about education,”
Diane Smythe said. “Our goal is to help to make an education
more attainable by eliminating the financial strain that holds
students back. Chris was always eager to help, and this will surely
continue his mission.”
A favorite “rugger” within the community, the
Youngstown Steel Valley Rugby Club has hosted an annual Thomas
“Chris” Smythe Memorial 10s Rugby Tournament each of
the past two years. The tournament was held this past year at the
WATTS on the YSU campus, with proceeds donated to Smythe’s
scholarship.
Paul McFadden, President of the YSU Foundation, said the Smythe
family has been pillars of the community and a YSU student-athlete
will be proud to represent Chris Smythe’s legacy.
“Chris lived life to the fullest and knew that having an
education was one of the most gratifying accomplishments a person
could have,” McFadden said. “He was a talented rugby
player who enjoyed the game and played it the right way. He was
tough, gritty and passionate when he was on the pitch. When the
competition was over, he was a person who cared greatly about
others.”
For more information, or to endow an athletic scholarship at
Youngstown State University, contact the YSU Foundation at (330)
941-3211 or pmcfadden@ysufoundation.org
