Brown, Perry Speeches Highlight Scholar-Athlete Banquet

by YSU

Thursday, May 2, 2013 9:35 am

Passionate speeches about two student-athletes coming to Youngstown State University from miles away highlighted an enjoyable evening at the 26th Annual Scholar-Athlete Ring Banquet presented by Northside Medical Center last night at the Chestnut Room in YSU's Kilcawley Center.

The YSU/Vindicator Athletes of the Year were women's basketball player Brandi Brown, a native of California, and men's basketball player Kendrick Perry, a native of Florida. Both spoke about how attending YSU was a decision that is one they were happy to make and that their time as a Penguin has been very memorable.

Brown is off to embark on a professional basketball career in Europe after graduating in a few weeks while Perry's work at YSU isn't quite done yet. Just a junior, Perry will be back in 2013-14 to try and lead the men's basketball program to their third straight winning season and second consecutive postseson berth. He is on track to graduate next May.

YSU senior quarterback Kurt Hess was the emcee for the event. Hess kept the program moving like a prepared signal caller and had the event concluded just a little after 8 p.m.

YSU President D. Cynthia Anderson, who past years had served as the emcee for the event, was attending her final Athletic banquet as the University's President. As usual, she spoke very highly of the student-athletes and how they represent the school in the community and once they graduate.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo thanked everyone in attendance for their support of YSU Athletics. He introduced the head coaches who were in audience and announced that long-time women's golf coach Roseann Schwartz has decided to retire.

Strollo, along with Brown and Perry's assistance, provided Dr. Anderson with a No. 34 YSU football jersey signifying her 34 years she spent at the University.

NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Chet Cooper took time to thank and recognize the Athletic Department's academic advisors, Marilyn O'Bruba and Marty Hyden and the eligibility committee members, Sally Kenney and Denise Walters-Dobson.

Joe Cassese, the department's Director of Athletic Development, introduced the Penguin Club members at the event as well as the endowed scholarship representatives in attendance.

Alfreeda Goff, Associate Commissioner of the Horizon League, recognized the Women's Basketball program and Men's Tennis team as the school's "Raise Your Sights" winners honoring the top men's and women's team with highest cumulative grade-point averages. The YSU softball team was acknowledged as the Community Outreach award winner.

Hess returned to the podium to announce the names of all the student-athletes in attendance who had a grade-point average of 3.00 or above.

YSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member Allison Ludwig handed out the organizations Leadship Awards. Brown was the recipient of the female leadership award while Torrian Pace was the male honoree. Pace was not in attendance while attending class. Ludwig then recognized teammate Jackie Podolsky with the Horizon League Sportsmanship Award.

To conclude the event, Brown and Perry were introduced by fellow teammates. Liz Hornberger presented Brown while Mike Podolsky represented Perry, whose parents were able to drive up from Florida for the event.

Both student-athletes talked about how their program's had made strides during their YSU careers and how YSU and the people around them has taught them to be better leaders while thanking various individuals who have had an impact on their lives.

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