One of the most active behind-the-scenes groups that supports
Youngstown State Athletics is the Football Alumni Organization. For
their efforts, the ever-growing and enthusiastic group was honored
as the 2006 Penguins of the Year.
Involved in its current fashion, the Football Alumni Group,
which is a part of the Youngstown State Penguin Club, has helped
the football program and athletic department in numerous ways.
Whether its video equipment, scholarships, computers or just
donating services and time, the group has worked diligently to keep
the heritage of Penguin football alive and well for both the
current players and the past greats that number over 1,300.
This organization's philosophy is to help the university that
helped them not only with an education, but allowed them to play
the sport they all enjoyed. Most of all, to not forget how the
great sport of football changed their lives through the networking
of many people, developing those relationships into great
friendships and harvesting many great memories that a lot of former
players still cherish today.
In recent years the Football Alumni has stepped up time and time
again.
In 2003, the group created a scholarship endowment which is given
annually to a football player who exhibits athletic ability and
personal qualities that reflects community concern and involvement.
To date, more than $130,000 has been contributed to their
scholarship endowment.
A reunion event started about 10 years ago and has steadily
grown since that time.
The reunion weekend, which is held each spring, begins with its
annual Spaghetti Dinner. The Spaghetti Dinner was part of YSU's
football heritage dating back to the early days of the program. It
also allows a chance for players of all generations to reminisce
with friends, former teammates, recent graduates and coaches to
rekindle the proud past of the program. The festivities for the
group include a round of golf at Oak Tree Country Club in West
Middlesex, Pa., followed by a dinner.
In the summer, the Football Alumni have gathered for a Bocce
Tournament in Youngstown at Cassese’s MVR. The summer event
allows for a laid-back outing that allows non-Football players to
get involved with the group.
Once the season has started, the Football Alumni hold a
“Tailgate Blast” Party prior to a Penguin football home
game. This gives the former Guins and their families a chance to
get together before, during and after contests to discuss the
current team.
Beginning with the 2005 campaign, the group has established an
award that will be presented following each Homecoming Contest. The
Player Who Makes the Difference in the Homecoming Game receives a
plaque from organization at the annual football banquet.
Currently, there are more than 100 members who are part of the
Football Alumni group.
Founded in the mid-1980's on their own to hold Homecoming
dinners and various other get-togethers, the group has become
extremely active since becoming a part of the Penguin Club.
The core founders of the organization are Frank Beck (1953-55),
Ray Briya (1965-67), Tony Clemente (1951), John DeMas (1952-54),
Pat Gmiter (1952-53), Ned Mervos (1950-53), Don McCloud (1951-53),
Angelo Pezzuolo (1951-54) and Jim Verlotte (1951-53).
A main goal of the organization is to try and have all former
1,000-plus YSU football players become a member.
For more information on the Football Alumni Club contact Tom
Morella in the YSU Athletic Department at (330) 941-2351.
