Farmers National Bank has donated $500,000 to Youngstown State University to help construct a new sports complex along Fifth Avenue across from Stambaugh Stadium.
The soccer field that is part of the complex will be named Farmers National Bank Field, pending the approval of the YSU Board of Trustees in March.
"I want to thank Farmers National Bank for this generous gift," YSU President Cynthia E. Anderson said. "We are thrilled that Farmers has chosen to partner with us on a project that will help enhance one of the major gateway entrances to the university and will serve thousands of students at YSU, our fans and others across the community. The campus is our number one marketing tool, and this complex gives us a competitive edge.
The soccer field, which will have synthetic turf, will be used by YSU students participating in intramurals and club sports, as well as by the Penguins soccer team, which currently plays at Stambaugh Stadium. In addition, the university anticipates that community groups may use the soccer field for tournaments and other events.
"Farmers National Bank believes in community investment, believes in YSU and believes in providing opportunity for young people here in the Valley," said John S. Gulas, president and chief executive officer of Farmers National Banc Corp./Farmers National Bank. "We serve all three of these missions with this donation."
Gulas said Farmers National Bank has represented excellence in financial services and customer care for 125 years. "Now, at YSU, our name will stand for excellence in collegiate athletics," he said.
"As the father of daughters, I am especially pleased Farmers National Bank is supporting women's soccer at YSU," he added. "Young women today deserve every opportunity to challenge themselves in academics and athletics, and Farmers is proud to help make that happen here in the Valley."
The sports complex, located on the corner of the Madison Avenue Expressway service road and Fifth Avenue, also includes an eight-lane, all-weather track circling the soccer field. The track will be used for intramurals and by the YSU men's and women's track and field teams. In addition, the project includes a softball field for intramurals and for the YSU women's softball team, which currently plays in Canfield. Lighting, stands, restrooms, walkways and fencing are also part of the complex.
The project should be complete by next summer.
"This once blighted neighborhood will now become a place of competition and recreation for our students and the community," said Gene Grilli, YSU vice president for Finance and Administration. "We are excited about improving the appearance of this important entrance to campus."
About Farmers National Bank
Farmers National Bank is Mahoning Valley's leading community bank with more than $1 billion in Banking assets and $1 billion in Trust assets. With 19 banking locations and two trust offices throughout Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana and Stark counties, Farmers also has a full array of financial services to include Farmers National Investments, Farmers Trust Company and Farmers National Insurance. Founded in 1887, the bank has been community-minded and committed to the Valley for 125 years.
