| Savage Earns AP All-America Honors |
| Thursday, December 17 2009 |
| Courtesy of: |
| Youngstown -- Youngstown State senior defensive end Mychal Savage (New Rochelle, N.Y.) was named a third-team Associated Press All-American, the wire service announced on Wednesday. Savage, who earned third-team All-America honors by the Sports Network in 2007, was a three-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection. In 2009, he was credited with 37 total tackles, including a team-high eight tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks. Savage missed the 2008 season after suffering a season-ending injury in the season-opener at Ohio State. For his career, he started 44 games for the Penguins, while appearing in 47 contests. He had 153 total tackles, including 76 unassisted stops. He had 20.5 tackles for losses, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. It is the fourth time in the past four years the Penguins have had an All-America selection. |
| Eric Wolford Named Sixth Head Football Coach in Youngstown State History |
| Tuesday, December 15 2009 |
| Courtesy of: |
| Youngstown -- The energetic Eric Wolford, a Youngstown native who has been labeled a top recruiter at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivison level, was named the sixth head coach in Youngstown State history on Tuesday, YSU President Dr. David C. Sweet announced. Wolford, a graduate of Ursuline High School, takes over his hometown program after building an impressive resume the past 16 years as a collegiate assistant. Of those, 12 have been spent on the FBS level. "Coach Wolford comes to Youngstown State with an impressive coaching background and we are more than happy to welcome him to our Football Family," Sweet said. "He will represent our university in a first-class manner and is very highly regarded throughout the collegiate ranks. He is a great fit for our community, university and football program." Wolford spent last season as a member of Coach Steve Spurrier's staff in South Carolina. The Youngstown native is the sixth head coach in program's storied history. Wolford has a tremendous background working with some of the most reputable names in college football. As an assistant, he has coached for Steve Spurrier (South Carolina), Ron Zook (Illinois), Mike Stoops (Arizona), Darrell Dickey (North Texas), Dana Dimel (Houston), Jim Leavitt (South Florida) and Bill Snyder (Kansas State). In each of the past five years, Wolford has helped programs rank in the top 20 nationally in recruiting according to Scout.com. In 2008, Rivals.com labeled him a top-20 FBS National Recruiter. "We are very excited to have Coach Wolford join the Youngstown State Football Family," YSU Athletics Director Ron Strollo said. "In all of my discussions with him, he has shown a passion to lead our football program and be an outstanding leader for our student-athletes. He has received extremely positive reviews from within the coaching ranks and members of our community. His ability to be a top-notch recruiter will help take our program to level we all can be proud of." Wolford spent the 2009 season as the running-game coordinator and offensive line coach at South Carolina. The Gamecocks posted a 7-5 mark this past year and will make an appearance in the PapaJohns.com Bowl on Jan. 2 against UConn. USC had four running backs rush for more than 100 yards in a game in 2009 after having just one eclipse the mark in the previous campaign. During the campaign, he had four members of his offensive line make their first career starts. Overall, 10 different players started at least one contest up front, while three started at multiple positions. After joining the staff in January, Wolford showed his talents helping the Gamecocks land the 13th-ranked recruiting class in the nation. The 38-year-old Wolford spent two seasons at Illinois (2007-08) with Zook before heading to South Carolina. In his two seasons with the Illini, his lines led the Big Ten Conference in rushing (2007) and passing (2008) yards per game. During his two years, Illinois ranked in the top 20 nationally in recruiting. Averaging 269.3 yards in the air, the Illini ranked first in the Big Ten in the category and 19th nationally in 2008. The team finished the season second in the conference in total offense with 438.8 yards per contest, which also ranked 19th in the NCAA. Illinois’ total yards topped 5,000 for just the fourth time in school history and for the second consecutive year. Wolford helped the Gamecocks post a 7-5 record in 2009. He spent the previous two campaigns at Illinois. In 2007, Illinois finished with a 9-4 overall mark and represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl following a 6-2 league mark. His veteran unit led the offense to 3,338 rushing yards, the most in school history, and paved the way for running back Rashard Mendenhall’s record-setting season. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Mendenhall broke school records for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and total scores in a season. Wolford served as an assistant coach at Arizona from 2004-06, North Texas in 2003, Houston from 2000-02, South Florida from 1996-99, Emporia State in 1995 and at Kansas State in 1994. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1994 in social sciences with a focus on monetary policy and banking from KSU. Wolford signed a free-agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals before returning to Manhattan to embark on his coaching career. A 1989 graduate of Ursuline High School, Wolford earned All-Northeastern Ohio honors in 1988, in addition to being named the defensive player of the year in the Steel Valley Conference. He played both offensive and defensive line helping the Irish to the SVC championship as a senior. In the summer of 2009, he was enshrined into the Ursuline High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Wolford and his wife, Melinda, have a son, Stone, and a daughter, Marlee. Official Release Official Career Breakdown Official Bio |
| Season Tickets for 2010 Football Season Now on Sale, Promotions Announced |
| Tuesday, December 15 2009 |
| Courtesy of: |
| Youngstown – Season tickets for the 2010 Youngstown State football season are now on sale, Associate Athletics Director/External Operations Rick Love announced Tuesday (Dec. 15). Reserved season tickets cost $84 while general admission season tickets are $60. Individual-game ticket prices include $16 for reserved seats and $12 for general admission. For more information on season tickets and group rates, please call the YSU Ticket Office at (330) 941-1978. First-year Head Coach Eric Wolford and the Penguins will host a six-game home schedule, including a matchup against defending Missouri Valley Football Conference Champion Southern Illinois on Sept. 25, and first-ever meetings against Butler in the home opener on Sept. 11 and Central Connecticut State on Sept. 18. Last season, the Bulldogs posted an 11-1 mark winning the Pioneer League and the Gridiron Classic. CCSU went 9-3 last year, ironically, finishing the season with a loss at Butler. The Penguins also host North Dakota State on Oct. 9, UNI on Oct. 30 and Indiana State on Nov. 13. The YSU marketing and promotions office also announced its 2010 promotional schedule. Promotions schedule for next season are three State Farm Kids’ Days on Sept. 11, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 in the MVFC opener against the Salukis. Other promotional giveaways include a schedule magnet on Sept. 11, senior poster on Sept. 18, and a football keychain on Sept. 25. The Stambaugh Stadium Collector’s Cup giveaway is scheduled for Oct. 9 against North Dakota State and the annual Homecoming and YSU Athletics Hall of Fame Game is set for Oct. 30 against UNI. The 2010 Senior Day game will be held on Nov. 13 against Indiana State. Coach Wolford makes his debut when the Penguins open the campaign on Sept. 4 at Penn State. |
| Football Coach To Be Announced At Press Conference |
| Tuesday, December 15 2009 |
| Courtesy of: |
| Eric Worlford Personal/Player: Wolford was born, April 5, 1971, in Hubbard, Ohio and graduated from Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio. At Ursuline, he earned all-Northeastern Ohio honors in 1988, in addition to defensive player of the year in the Steel Valley Conference. He played on both lines in high school, helping the team to a 1988 Steel Valley Conference championship. Wolford was a four-year starter at Kansas State under Bill Snyder, and his teams laid the groundwork for the program's emergence on the national stage. His senior year, the Wildcats won the school's first bowl game in the 1993 Copper Bowl. As a member of Bill Snyder's first recruiting class at Kansas State, and a four-year starter on the offensive line, Wolford was an instrumental part in that program's surge to national football prominence. After redshirting in 1989, Wolford started five games at left guard and two more at right guard in 1990. He went on to start a total of 34 games, including 21 at right guard and 13 at left guard. Wolford was also a member of Kansas State's 1993 Copper Bowl team, which won the first bowl game in school history. Wolford earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social science from Kansas State in May, 1994. His emphasis of study was in monetary policy and banking. After this, Wolford signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals, and then returned to K-State as a graduate assistant. While a graduate assistant at K-State, Wolford completed 15 hours toward a master's degree in adult education. Wolford and his wife Melinda, have a son, Stone, and a daughter, Marlee. Coaching: The Ytown native began his coaching career at his alma mater, Kansas State, where he served as a graduate assistant and worked with the offensive line coach under Bill Snyder. From there, he spent two seasons as the offensive line and strength coach at Emporia State. Wolford had the unique experience of coaching in the first three seasons of the South Florida football program, helping to lead the Bulls to two winning seasons in three years. In year two of the building process, the offense put up over 400 yards per game, including 191.5 rushing yards per contest. Running back Dyral McMillan became the school's first 1,000-yard rusher that year. Wolford displayed excellent precision and technique in teaching the offensive linemen at the University of South Florida. Wolford instilled in his players the importance of developing an all-purpose approach to line work, both in the running game and pass protection. With that approach, Wolford coached a line loaded with underclassmen in each of the first two seasons in USF football history. In those two years, only one upper-classman started on the USF offensive line, and in 1997, not a single USF offensive lineman had started in a college football game. The line protected a USF offense that averaged 409 yards in 1998, a 35-yard improvement from the 1997 Inaugural Season. Equally impressive was the strong balance in the USF offense, proving the line's versatility, whether clearing the way for the run or protecting for the pass. While at Houston, he coached a number of positions spanning offense, defense and special teams. In 2002, Houston enjoyed a dramatic turnaround, going from a winless season to five victories. The team also ended on a high note, defeating nationally ranked Louisville in the finale. During that time, Wolford coached five all-conference players. In his first year in 2000, Wolford coached the offensive tackles and tight ends. He coached the UH running backs and coordinated the special teams unit in 2001. Wolford moved to the defensive side of the ball to coach the Cougar defensive line in 2002. Wolford spent the 2003 season at North Texas, where his offensive line paved the way for tailback Patrick Cobbs. He rushed for a league-record 1,690 yards, earning the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year Award. Cobbs averaged 152 yards and 11.5 points per game, leading the NCAA. The offensive line blocked for a rushing average of 177.5 yards per game, which ranked 35th nationally, allowed only 18 sacks during the season and posted an 88 percent efficiency rating in the redzone. For their efforts, two Mean Green linemen, Andy Brewster and Nick Zuniga earned first-team all-conference honors. Wolford also helped lead UNT to its third-consecutive bid to the New Orleans Bowl. Wolford Spent three seasons with the Arizona Wildcats as offensive line coach. During that time, UA led the league in fewest sacks allowed in 2004 and was second 2005. Wolford tutored two All-Pac-10 performers on the offensive line in Peter Graniello and Eben Britton, who also was named a Sporting News All-American in 2006. In addition to his strong coaching skills, Wolford was an integral part of Arizona's back-to-back top-25 recruiting classes. In 2007, Wofford became the Offensive Line Coach & Running Game Coordinator for Illinois. In 2007, Wolford's veteran offensive line led the Illini offense to 3,338 rushing yards, the most in school history, and paved the way for running back Rashard Mendenhall's record-setting season. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Mendenhall broke school records for rushing yards, rushing TDs and total TDs in a season. The offensive line also protected quarterback Juice Williams at a record pace, allowing just 16 sacks, a school record and the second-fewest in the Big Ten. Individual honors followed, with left guard Martin O'Donnell earning Associated Press first-team All-America honors as well as first-team All-Big Ten recognition. Fulton and McDonald were named second-team All-Big Ten. One year after posting the Big Ten's top rushing offense, the Illini offensive line turned toward improving the passing game in 2008. Averaging 269.3 yards in the air, the Illini ranked first in the Big Ten in the category and 19th nationally. The team finished the season second in the conference in total offense with 438.8 yards per contest, which also ranked 19th in the NCAA. Illinois' total yards topped 5,000 for the just the fourth time in school history and for the second consecutive year. Three members of the line earned postseason honors for their performances. Seniors Xavier Fulton and Ryan McDonald were named to the All-Big Ten second team and right guard Jon Asamoah was honorable mention. Wofford most recently served in the same capacity with Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. He was heavily involved in the recruitment of Mack and Cann, both of whom are ranked as four-star recruits by Rivals.com.Wolford took an active role with all of the offensive line recruits, helping USC gain commitments from seven players to form an offensive line class ranked in the top three nationally by Rivals and Scout.com. Although with them less than a year, Wolford leaves behind an improved line and an impressive list of offensive line prospects that committed to the Gamecocks believing Wolford would be their position coach. Though the Gamecocks are last in the SEC in rushing for the third year in a row, USC's average rushing yards per game increased 30 yards under Wolford. The Gamecocks have two backs - Kenny Miles and Jarvis Giles - averaging more than 5 yards per carry. Eric Wolford Quick Bio: 2009-PresentOffensive Line Coach & Running Game Coordinator South Carolina 2007-2008Offensive Line Coach & Running Game Coordinator Illinois 2004-2006Offensive Line Coach Arizona 2003Offensive Line Coach North Texas 2002Defensive Line Coach Houston 2001Running Backs Coach & Special Teams Coordinator Houston 2000Tight Ends Coach & Offensive Tackle Coach Houston 1996-1999Offensive Line Coach South Florida 1995 Offensive Line Coach Emporia St Rivals.com Commitment Data for 2009 (2010 class, Eric Wolford) Total Commitments = 9 ***** 5 Stars 0 **** 4 Stars 2 *** 3 Stars 5 ** 2 Stars 1 ________________ Total Stars 9 |
| USC's Wolford expected to take Youngstown State job |
| Monday, December 14 2009 |
| Courtesy of: The Charleston Post & Courier |
| COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier wanted to hang on to his entire coaching staff to sustain momentum for the recruiting season. Instead, it seems that the Gamecocks will take at least one substantial hit. Offensive line coach Eric Wolford, who just completed his first regular season at USC, is expected to be named Tuesday as the next head coach at Youngstown State. Reports out of Ohio began to surface during the day Sunday. South Carolina officials familiar with the situation confirmed the news Monday morning. WFMJ-TV in Ohio said Monday that Wolford would be introduced at a news conference scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday. Wolford, 38, is a Youngstown native. YSU has a history of success on the FCS level, winning four Division I-AA national titles in the 1990s (1991, ‘93, ‘94, ‘97) and producing Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. Wolford earned $260,000 in the first of a three-year deal at USC. He’ll likely see a marginal raise in his new position, but earning the head coach title - in his hometown -- before the age of 40 is assuredly worth much more. Wolford received a multi-year deal by being named the team’s running game coordinator. Spurrier has said that Wolford’s input went into the team’s gameplans. He credited Wolford for the run play that worked best in the 34-17 victory against Clemson. USC had been reluctant to give assistant coaches multi-year contracts, but exceptions have been made the past two off-seasons with newly created coordinator positions. As part of his contract, Wolford will not owe USC any buyout money because he left for a head coaching job. The Gamecocks under Wolford don’t exactly wow when it comes to stats. In fact, they finished exactly where they did last season in the SEC in rushing (last) and sacks allowed (next to last). South Carolina ran for 125 yards a game, more than a 100 yards a game less than No. 1 Mississippi State. Although some blame goes to quarterback Stephen Garcia, the Gamecocks sustained 34 sacks - one less than last-place LSU. Be sure that Wolford’s impact was felt, even if it wasn’t immediately numerical. He instilled a toughness and physicality that wasn’t previously present. He was serious about righting the line’s inconsistent play. Wolford was also intense when it came to recruiting. Upon arrival from Illinois, the former Kansas State offensive linemen took an interest in drawing in-state linemen toward the Gamecocks. High-profile recruits such as Bamberg’s A.J. Cann and Calhoun County’s Eric Mack - both of whom had committed to the Gamecocks, partly because of Wolford - learned Sunday that Wolford would be leaving. It’s difficult to say what impact, if any, his departure will have on the promising 2010 recruiting class. Wolford had been in on several visits, including one with incoming quarterback prospect Connor Shaw. Additionally, it’s tough to know when and where Spurrier will start his hunt for Wolford’s replacement. Wolford’s name wasn’t really known until he was hired. Spurrier is set to speak Tuesday with reporters after the team’s first bowl practice. The Gamecocks (7-5) are preparing to meet Connecticut (7-5) in the Jan. 2 Papajohns.com Bowl in Birmingham, Ala. Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the South Carolina blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/gamecocks. |
| Wolford to lead YSU |
| Monday, December 14 2009 |
| Courtesy of: Ed Puskas |
| Brookfield Township native Eric Wolford, a former Ursuline High School and Kansas State lineman, is expected to be introduced as the next Youngstown State football coach, according to sources close to the program. The official announcement could come as early as today, or perhaps Tuesday. A message seeking comment was left late Sunday with YSU director of athletics Ron Strollo. Wolford, 38, currently is the running game coordinator and offensive line coach at South Carolina, under Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier. Wolford also is considered an important recruiter for South Carolina, which hired him from Illinois on Jan. 6, 2009. Howland High School football coach Dick Angle coached Wolford at Ursuline High School. Wolford played for the Irish in 1987 and '88, and graduated from Ursuline in 1989. "Eric was not the biggest college lineman in America, but he went to Kansas State and had a great career there," Angle said. "When he graduated, he called me and said, 'I want to get into coaching.' " Angle said Wolford always had a competitive streak. "I was fortunate to meet Eric when he was a young man, and you could see the passion to compete in his eyes," Angle said. "He wanted to compete in the classroom, in the weight room and on the playing field. You could just see it in him. He had a swagger and he had endless energy. He also had a great personality and the teachers liked him. He carried himself well in the classroom." Angle said he has not spoken to Wolford recently, but has heard from other sources that his former player's hiring is all but done. "It's pretty much 'unconfirmed' confirmed," Angle said. "I just know he's excited about the challenge. I'm excited for him." Wolford, if hired at YSU, will replace Jon Heacock, who resigned after the Penguins finished a 6-5 2009 season by winning their final two games. Heacock was 60-44 in nine seasons. The former YSU defensive coordinator took over as the Penguins' head coach shortly after Jim Tressel - YSU's coach from 1986-2000 - took the Ohio State job in early 2001. Tressel coached the Penguins to four Division I-AA championships and two other appearances in the title game in the 1990s, but YSU qualified for the playoffs only once under Heacock. Twice during his nine seasons, the Penguins finished 8-3 but were snubbed for the 16-team playoffs. For weeks, there was speculation the favorites for the YSU job were Wolford and Arizona defensive coordinator Mark Stoops, a Cardinal Mooney High School graduate. Stoops is the brother of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and was working for his brother, Mike, with the Wildcats in Tucson until Saturday, when he accepted an offer from Florida State coach-to-be Jimbo Fisher to become the Seminoles' defensive coordinator. Almost immediately, sources said the job was Wolford's if he wanted it. Late Sunday, a source said former YSU and Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Snyder entered the picture late, but Snyder - who recently resigned as Marshall's head coach - apparently was not strongly considered for the Penguins' job. Wolford has never been a head coach. After starting on Kansas State's offensive line in each of his four seasons, Wolford began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. Other early stops came at Emporia State, Houston, North Texas and South Florida. Wolford spent 2004-06 as the offensive line coach at Arizona. In 2007, he joined Ron Zook's Illinois staff. The Illini led the Big Ten Conference in rushing in '07, as Rashard Mendenhall - now with the Pittsburgh Steelers - enjoyed a record-setting season behind Wolford's offensive line. In '08, Illinois led the Big Ten with 269.3 passing yards per game and topped 5,000 total yards for the second consecutive season. South Carolina finished 7-5 this season. The Gamecocks will meet Connecticut in the Papajohns.com Bowl on Jan. 2 in Birmingham, Ala. By that time, however, it appears Wolford might well be deep onto the recruiting trail for YSU. Angle believes so, and adds that recruiting is one of Wolford's strengths. "He did some great recruiting in Ohio when he was at Illinois, and I'm sure that got Youngstown State's attention," Angle said. "He's always been a class guy, and he's always remembered where he came from. I think any parents would love for their kids to play for him." |
| Wolford now the Penguins’ choice |
| Monday, December 14 2009 |
| Courtesy of: The Vindicator - Pete Mollica |
| Depending on who you are talking to, or what Web site you are looking at, Youngstown State University will (or will not) name its football coach at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. If it happens all signs points to South Carolina assistant coach Eric Wolford, an Ursuline High graduate. Mark Stoops, the former Arizona defensive coordinator and Cardinal Mooney High graduate, took himself out of the running (if he ever was in it) late last weekwhen he accepted the defensive coordinator position at Florida State. Wolford, who is the running game coordinator and the offensive line coach at South Carolina, was supposed to be second in line to replace Jon Heacock as the Penguins’ head coach. Heacock resigned after nine seasons last month. Wolford has only been with the Gamecocks for one season, but reportedly has done an excellent job with the offensive line in just a short time. First reports out of South Carolina indicated that Wolford was not interested in interviewing for the job, but it’s pretty common knowledge now that YSU athletic director Ron Strollo went to Columbia, S.C., the first week of December to interview him. South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier went so far as to tell reporters that Wolford told him he was not pursuing the YSU job. Reportedly, Stoops was the first choice, but the opportunity to further enhance his repuation at Football Bowl Subdivision school, i.e., Florida State, not to mention a $500,000 yearly salary, was too good to pass up. Wolford has a three-year contract with the Gamecocks with two years remaining at $200,000 per year. He is expected to sign a five-year contract with Youngstown State, with the final salary expected to be in the $250,000 range. One thing is certain. If the Penguins are going to name a new football coach this week it will have to be done before Thursday. YSU athletic director Ron Strollo is a member of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision selection committee and must be in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Thursday to help get things ready for Friday night’s national championship game there. Any of the three names mentioned earlier would seem to be a good fit for the Penguins, but then again Strollo has been bouncing around all over the country the past few weeks and there’s always a chance a name out of nowhere could just pop up this week. Whoever and whenever Strollo makes his decision, it will be the biggest one that he’s made since he’s been the school’s AD since his hiring in 2001. I was covering some high school basketball Saturday at the Covelli Center for the Youngstown-Warren Holiday Classic and ran into an old friend. As I was going back to the locker rooms after the East-Youngstown Christian game I saw this guy leaning up against the wall and he looked familiar. “You don’t remember me, but you used to cover me when I played at YSU,” he said. It was Andre Smith, a smaller and trimmer version of him to say the least. Smith was a standout with the Penguins and led the team in scoring both his junior and senior seasons from 1993 through 1995 under Dan Peters. He was recently named head men’s basketball coach at Lourdes College in Sylvania, just outside of Toledo. “This is a new basketball program and we won’t start playing until next season,” Smith said. “We’ll be competing at the NAIA level for the first couple of years until we can get into the NCAA.” Smith is recruiting players this season and he was looking over the field at the Holiday Classic. “I’m looking for some junior college players that can jump-start the program and blend in some freshmen to build for the future,” he said. Smith was impressed with the Covelli Center. “This place is great and it is a perfect venue for basketball and I can tell that the kids really enjoy playing here,” he added. XPete Mollica covers YSU athletics for The Vindicator. Write to him at mollica@vindy.com. |
| Wolford To Be Hired as YSU Head Coach? |
| Sunday, December 13 2009 |
| Courtesy of: WKBN |
| Multiple sources close to the YSU program say that Ursuline High School product Eric Wolford is set to be hired as the next head football coach at Youngstown State. The YSU Athletic Department has not confirmed the reports, and no official announcement has yet been made, only noting that the hiring process remains ongoing. The 38-year old Wolford is currently the Running Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach at the University of South Carolina. Wolford came to South Carolina following a two-year stint at Illinois where he held a similar position. In his two years with the Illini, Wolford's lines led the Big Ten Conference in rushing (2007) and passing (2008) in back-to-back seasons. During his coaching career, he has made previous stops at Arizona, North Texas, Houston, South Florida, as well as serving as a Graduate Assistant at his alma mater Kansas State. Wolford was a four-year starter at Kansas State under Bill Snyder. His senior year, the Wildcats won the school's first bowl game in the 1993 Copper Bowl. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1994 in social sciences with a focus on monetary policy and banking. After college, Wolford signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals. If hired, Wolford would be the sixth head coach in YSU football history. |
| Strollo’s legacy defined by hire |
| Sunday, December 6 2009 |
| Courtesy of: PETE MOLLICA - VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF |
| YOUNGSTOWN — Sometime within the next week or two Youngstown State Athletic Director Ron Strollo is going to make the biggest decision in the nine years that he’s been the head of the university’s athletic department. Somewhere in that time span Strollo will name a new head football coach for the Penguins, most likely before Christmas and possibly even sooner. The decision is going to be a big one for both Strollo and the university. Football is the sport that generates the money that funds most of the school’s athletic teams and the head football coach is probably one of the most recognizable faces in the entire Valley. For the 15 seasons Jim Tressel was head football coach the Penguins reached the top of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision. His four national championships, two runners-up and 10 trips to the postseason are marks that may never be reached again. Jon Heacock, who coached the Penguins over the last nine seasons until he resigned following the 2009 campaign, found out just what it was like trying to fill the shoes left by Tressel. Heacock was successful, but the fact that he was able to get the Penguins to just one postseason berth in those nine years just wasn’t enough to satisfy the Penguin followers. Now a new coach will be hired and he too will find that getting the Penguins into the postseason will be the only thing that YSU fans are willing to accept. Hiring a head coach is not something that is new to Strollo. He’s done it eight times in the last nine seasons, but none of those hires were anything like this one. In these nine years Strollo has hired three head basketball coaches, one men’s (Jerry Slocum) and two women’s (Tisha Hill and Cindy Martin). He has also hired two soccer head coaches, a volleyball coach, a baseball coach and a softball coach since he’s been AD. Unfortunately, of those eight hires, not one of them has posted a winning record at YSU since they’ve been in place. But other than women’s basketball most of those programs have been losing steadily long before Strollo took over the job. It is also true that the job of an athletic director involves a lot more than just hiring and firing head coaches and Strollo has certainly been the picture of success in his other roles as athletic director. Outside of YSU, Strollo is very involved on the regional and national levels of the NCAA, serving on several prominent committees. He is currently in his first of four years on the NCAA Division I Football Championship Selection Committee, the NCAA Division I Football Issues Committee and serves as the Central Regional Chair of the NCAA Regional Advisory Committee. He also is on the Executive Committee of the FCS Athletic Directors Association and serves as the Chair of the Horizon League Executive Committee. During his tenure, Strollo has placed a priority on the construction and enhancements of the school’s athletic venues. Currently he is leading the final phases of a capital campaign to construct the Watson and Tressel Training Site, a $10 million indoor athletic practice facility which will include an indoor track and football practice field. During his nine years Beeghly Center has undergone more than $4 million in renovations. In the past year the university acquired the 2009 Final Four basketball hoops. Mew strobe lighting was installed and the volleyball and men’s locker rooms were refurbished. Last year a new Dom Rosselli Court was installed and a weight room was built for the men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and swimming and diving programs. Within the last two years Stambaugh Stadium has also been refurbished including office space in the athletic marketing and ticket offices along with upgrades to the weight room, athletic training room and the football offices along with upgrades to the baseball, soccer and softball locker rooms. Other major renovations included new chair-back seating (2209), a new south stadium scoreboard (2009), a concourse level elevator (2005), a scoreboard and a Mitsubishi DiamondVision videoboard (2004) and a state-of-the-art SprinTurf playing surface (2002). And Strollo is in no way finishes as he has big plans for the property that the university has recently gained control of just across Fifth Avenue from the Stadium. Here he has plans for a new softball complex, new tennis courts and possibly even a soccer field and outdoor track. You can also credit Strollo for getting the Penguins into a big money football game as he has done each of the last five seasons against major teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision. Those games against Pitt, Penn State and Ohio State have generated between $350,000 and $650,000 each year and have made possible a lot of the improvements listed above. But regardless of all the good things that Strollo has accomplished over the last nine years, the one thing that everybody is most interested and concerned about is that next decision he will be making. |
| Heacock, 12 seniors bid tearful farewell |
| Sunday, December 6 2009 |
| Courtesy of: PETE MOLLICA - VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF |
| YOUNGSTOWN — Nineteen years ago Jon Heacock came to Youngstown State University to be interviewed for an assistant football coaching position. He was hired and spent seven of those years as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator and the last nine years at the school’s head football coach. On Saturday, Heacock officially ended his stay at the University as he presided over the football team’s annual season ending awards banquet at the Kilcawley Center on campus. “I love this place,” Heacock said. “And all the people here and there is none better than this group of football players sitting in front of me.” Heacock resigned his head coaching position following the team’s final game, a 39-35 come-from-behind victory at North Dakota State. In his nine seasons as head coach, Heacock compiled a 60-44 record that included two Missouri Valley Football Conference championships and one trip to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs in 2006. Heacock praised his players especially the seniors who battled back from adversity to win the final two games of the season and preserve a winning record. The Penguins finished the year 6-5. “What these kids did those final two football games of the year was nothing short of outstanding,” he added. “There was a lot of controversy all around them about the team and me, but they just stood up and got it done in the end.” It was an emotional time on Saturday, especially when each of the Penguins’ 12 seniors got up and expressed their thanks for the job that their coach did for them over the years. Assistant coach and offensive coordinator Brian Wright addressed the gathering and expressed his and the coaching staff’s thanks to Heacock for all his efforts throughout the past nine seasons. “People don’t realize all this man has been through this past season, yet he was still there for the coaches and players and even at the end he was here to make sure that this banquet, for his players, went off as it was expected,” said Wright. While Heacock’s final appearance as the players coach was the main topic, the team’s annual awards presentation was still a highlight of the banquet. Senior wide receiver Donald Jones was named the John Delserone Most Valuable Player by his teammates, while the outstanding player awards went to senior end Mychal Savage on defense and senior tailback Kevin Smith on offense. The Jim Zdelar Outstanding Offensive Lineman was junior guard Eric Rodemoyer and the Jermaine Hopkins Outstanding Defensive Lineman was senior tackle Crispin Fernandez. Heacock spoke last to the group and addressed his players. “Remember who you are and always remember to worship somewhere,” he told them. “And always make sure that you are with the people that you love.” “You are going to be getting a new coach and a new staff and I expect you to treat them with respect,” he said. “And just remember that it’s all about that ‘Y’ on the door. There is no other ‘Y’ like it anywhere else in the world.” “Today is also my senior banquet and this is it,” he concluded. mollica@vindy.com |
| Donald Jones Named Delersone MVP; Smith, Savage Top Players |
| Sunday, December 6 2009 |
| Courtesy of: |
| Youngstown -- The Youngstown State football team wrapped up the 2009 season on Saturday afternoon with an emotional Awards Banquet at the Kilcawley Center. Senior wide receiver Donald Jones was named the John Delserone Most Valuable Player while senior tailback Kevin Smith was named the Outstanding Offensive Performer and senior defensive end Mychal Savage was tabbed the Outstanding Defensive Performer. It was the final banquet for nine-year Coach Jon Heacock. In a special tribute from the Penguins' 12 seniors, each presented Heacock with a rose and thanked him for all he had done throughout their careers. Heacock himself handed out a rose as part of his Senior Speech in his last banquet. Jones, the team's MVP, was named a first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection following his record-setting campaign. He finished the year with a school-record 77 receptions, eclipsing the mark of 75 established by Jim Ferranti in 1979. Twice during the 2009 slate (Missouri State and Southern Illinois) Jones tied the school record with 11 receptions. For the year, he had 790 yards receiving, scored six touchdowns and averaged 71.8 yards a contest. Smith, the top Offensive Performer, had a solid campaign rushing for a team-best 780 yards on 182 carries while scoring four touchdowns. He finished fourth on the team with 15 receptions for 92 yards. Smith rushed for more than 100 yards against Austin Peay (116), Western Illinois (113), Illinois State (121) and North Dakota State (101). He had a season-best 28 carries versus WIU and had at least 16 attempts in eight games. Savage, the top Defensive Performer, was named a first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection for the third time in his career. He was previously selected in 2006 and 2007. He helped lead the YSU defensive line after suffering a season-ending injury in 2008. Savage was credited with 37 total tackles, including 19 solo stops. He led the team with eight tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks. Senior linebacker Draye Ersery was named the Ron Stoops Most Inspirational Player of the 2009 Penguins. Ersery started the final three games at middle linebacker after primarily playing on special teams the first eight games of the year. His best game in a YSU uniform was on Senior Day against Illinois State where he was one-man wrecking crew. He finished with 11 total tackles, including eight solos to help spearhead the win over the Redbirds. Senior wide receiver Aaron Pitts was the recipient of the Dr. Spurgeon Torchbearer Award. Pitts had the finest season of his Youngstown State career in 2009. He caught 33 passes for 397 yards and three touchdowns. His best performance of the season was a seven-catch, 102-yard contest at Southern Illinois. He had touchdown receptions against SIU, Indiana State and North Dakota State. He had 20 receptions in the final five games of the year. Entering the season, Pitts had 12 catches for 137 yards and one touchdown. Junior offensive guard Eric Rodemoyer was honored as the Jim Zdelar Offensive Lineman of the Year. Rodemoyer played the final 10 games, starting nine, on the offensive line. Of those he started eight at left guard and one at left tackle. He was selected as the Penguins' Offensive Lineman of the Game an impressive six times during the season. He was a second-team All-MVFC selection. Senior defensive tackle Crispin Fernandez was named the Jermaine Hopkins Defensive Lineman of the Year. Fernandez battled back from an illness early in the year to be key part of the Guins' front line. He was credited with 23 total tackles for the year. He was named the Defensive Lineman of the Game at UNI and against Illinois State. Senior offensive guard Brian Mellott was named the Neal R. Frost Outreach Man of the Year. Mellott was the only offensive linemen to start every game, lining up at right guard. An August graduate, Mellott was a first-team Academic All-District selection and second-team academic all-conference selection. He has been one of the team leaders in community service throughout his career. Senior punter Ben Nowicki was named the Paul McFadden/Jeff Wilkins Specialist of the Year. Nowicki punted 38 times for an average of 40.6 yards per punt. He had two punts of more than 60 yards, including a career-long 67-yard boot at Indiana State. The Four Square Academic Player of the Year was junior placekicker Stephen Blose. Blose, who was a first-team Academic All-District and Academic All-MVFC selection, carries a 4.00 grade-point average in Middle Childhood Education. In his first year as the Guins' placekicker, he made all 27 of his extra-point tries, was 9-fo-16 on field-goal attempts and led the team in scoring with 54 points. He also had 46 kickoffs for an average of 62.2 yards. Jones received the Football Alumni Club Difference Maker Award for his performance in the Homecoming Contest versus Missouri State. Jones caught a school-record-tying 11 passes for 130 yards and touchdown in the Penguins loss to the Bears. Each year the YSU Football Alumni Club honors a player from the Homecoming Game who made a difference in the contest. Senior quarterback Brandon Summers was the Four Square Offensive Player of the Game against Austin Peay. The Penguins defeated the Governors 38-21 behind Summers who threw a school-record-tying four touchdown passes in the ballgame. He completed 17-of-24 passes for 232 yards and had a passing efficiency of 207.03 for the game. Sophomore strong safety Sir Demarco Bledsoe was the Four Square Defensive Player of the Game against Austin Peay. Bledsoe had a career-high 15 total tackles, including 10 solo stops in the victory over the Governors. He also had a sack and a pass breakup. His 15 tackles were the most by a Penguin since 2004 and the most by a member of the secondary since 2002. 2009 YSU Football Awards John Delserone Most Valuable Player -- Donald Jones, WR Outstanding Offensive Player -- Kevin Smith, TB Outstanding Defensive Player -- Mychal Savage, DE Ron Stoops Inspirational Player -- Draye Ersery, LB Dr. Spurgeon Torchbearer -- Aaron Pitts, WR Jim Zdelar Offensive Lineman of the Year -- Eric Rodemoyer, OG Jermaine Hopkins Defensive Lineman of the Year -- Crispin Fernandez, DT Neal R. Frost Outreach Man of the Year -- Brian Mellott, OG Four Square Academic Player of the Year -- Stephen Blose, PK Paul McFadden/Jeff Wilkins Specialist of the Year -- Ben Nowicki, P Alumni Club Difference Maker Award -- Donald Jones, WR (vs. Missouri State) Four Square Offensive Player of the Game vs. Austin Peay - Brandon Summers, QB Four Square Defensive Player of the Game vs. Austin Peay - Sir Demarco Bledsoe, SS |
| YSU Eyes Stoops |
| Friday, December 4 2009 |
| Courtesy of: WYTV |
| The search for a new football coach at Youngstown State is apparently closer to being a done deal. A source close to the Penguins football program tell us tonight that Arizona defensive coordinator and Cardinal Mooney Grad Mark Stoops is the top choice for the job and that Stoops likewise is extremely interested in coming back home. Stoops has already said he won't talk about any position until the Wildcats finish the season. Arizona finishes the regular season Saturday against USC. He could meet with Youngstown State as early as Sunday. YSU Athletic Director Ron Strollo says the search is ongoing. |
| Blose Highlights Five Penguins on Academic All-MVFC Team |
| Wednesday, December 2 2009 |
| Courtesy of: |
| St. Louis, Mo. -- The Youngstown State football team had five players named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference's All-Academic Team, the league announced on Tuesday. Highlighting the five selections was junior placekicker Stephen Blose who was named to the first team. Joining Blose on the Academic squad was senior offensive guard Brian Mellott, who was named to the second team. YSU sophomore backup quarterback Marc Kanetsky, senior punter Ben Nowicki and senior wide receiver Aaron Pitts were each named honorable-mention. Blose and Mellott flip flopped places from their positions on the 2008 squad. Last season, Mellott was a first-team selection while Blose was a second-team all-league pick. Both Blose and Mellott were named first-team CoSIDA Academic All-District IV in November. Nowicki was a second-team selection a year ago while Kanetsky and Pitts received honors for the first time in their YSU careers. PK Stephen Blose, 5-10, 190, Jr., 4.00, Middle Childhood Education 2009 First-Team Academic All-District IV selection…made nine of 16 field-goal attempts, including longs of 48 yards against Pitt and South Dakota State…drilled career-best three field goals versus Illinois State…made field goals in seven games…a perfect 27-of-27 on extra-point kicks (first perfect season by YSU kicker since 2002)…as kickoff specialist had 46 for an average of 62.6 yards…had two successful onside kicks…second-team Academic All-MVFC selection in 2008. OG Brian Mellott, 6-3, 280, Sr., 3.90, Accounting 2009 First-Team Academic All-District IV selection…started all 11 games at right guard…only offensive lineman to start every game…played 762 snaps for the year…played at least 60 plays in every game with high of 80 against Illinois State…had second-highest grade among YSU offensive linemen…best overall performance was against Missouri State…named team offensive lineman of the game against Illinois State…YSU averaged 216.2 yards passing per game, the most since 1985...2008 first-team Academic All-MVFC. P Ben Nowicki, 6-0, 170, Sr., 3.72, Mathematics Punted 38 times for an average of 40.6 yards…average ranks fifth in school history…had a long of 67 yards at Indiana State…also had a 62 yard boot vs. Missouri State…placed eight kicks inside the 20-yard line…for his career had 129 punts for an average of 39.5 per kick…named to 2008 MVFC Academic second team. WR Aaron Pitts, 6-3, 195, Sr., 3.41, Accounting Posted best season of his career with 33 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns…all touchdowns came in league action (North Dakota State, Southern Illinois, Indiana State…26 receptions came in MVFC play, including 20 in his final five games…had a career-high 102 yards on seven grabs at SIU…2009 YSU Nominee for AFCA Good Works Team. QB Marc Kanetsky, 6-0, 195, So., 4.00, Biology Holder on all placement kicks…served as backup quarterback, and started against North Dakota State in season finale…played in all 11 games…against NDSU completed 3-of-4 passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. |
| Four Penguins Named to Valley Football All-Newcomer Squad |
| Wednesday, December 2 2009 |
| Courtesy of: |
| St. Louis, Mo. -- The Youngstown State football team had four players named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference's All-Newcomer squad, the league announced on Monday. Redshirt freshmen offensive linemen Andy Kowicki and Andrew Radakovich along with freshman linebacker Taylor Hill and sophomore safety Sir Demarco Bledsoe represented the Penguins on the all-newcomer squad. On offense, YSU was the only school to have multiple linemen named to the newcomer team. Radakovich started 10 games this year as an offensive tackle. Of his 10 starts, nine came as the Guins' left tackle. Kowicki started the final four games of the year at center. On defense, Bledsoe was on his way to having an all-conference-type of season before suffering a season-ending knee injury at Southern Illinois. He had 57 total tackles, including an impressive 45 solo collars. Hill, who did not play college football in 2008, became the first freshman to lead the team in tackles since Pat Narduzzi in 1985. Hill finished with a team-high 65 stops. Illinois State quarterback Matt Brown was named the conference's Freshman of the Year while Missouri State linebacker Antoine Wilkinson was tabbed as the Newcomer of the Year. Missouri State had five players named to the all-newcomer squad followed by YSU and Illinois State, which each had four. YSU All-Newcomer Team Selections LB - #15 Taylor Hill, Youngstown State, 6-2, 210, Fr., Youngstown, Ohio (Cardinal Mooney) Started all 11 games at outside linebacker…had a team-best 65 tackles…first freshman to lead the team in total stops since 1985…had 28 solo stops and 37 assists…had a season-high 12 tackles against South Dakota State…56 of his tackles came in conference play…had at least five tackles on eight occasions. SS - #25 Sir Demarco Bledsoe, Youngstown State, 6-2, 185, So., Piedmont, Okla. (TCU/Piedmont) Bledsoe started six of the seven games he appeared in before suffering a season-ending knee injury at Southern Illinois…credited with 57 tackles, including 45 solo stops…had 4.5 tackles for losses, including one sack…had an interception against Northeastern…credited with 385 snaps played by coaching staff…ended season ranking fourth on the team in tackles despite missing last four contests. OT - #70 Andrew Radakovich, Youngstown State, 6-5, 300, RFr., Steubenville, Ohio (Penn State/Steubenville) Started nine games and played in all 11 at tackle…started eight games at left tackle, including the final four of the season and had a start at right tackle…played 529 snaps, third most on offensive line…had a season-high 75 plays against Missouri State…season-high grade was 79 percent at Northeastern…YSU averaged 216.2 yards passing per game, the most since 1985. OL - #69 Andy Kowicki, Youngstown State, 6-5, 280, RFr., Parma, Ohio (Normandy) Played in all 11 games, making five starts…started final four games at center and opener at Pitt as left guard…played 306 snaps for the campaign…season-high 75 snaps against Missouri State…had a best grade of 79 percent against Northeastern…YSU averaged 216.2 yards passing per game, the most since 1985. |