COLLEGE FOOTBALL YSU hopes homecoming good fortune continues

The Penguins will put their winning streak on the line against Illinois State.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- There just seems something about homecoming that brings out the best in the Youngstown State football team.
The Penguins, who have won 11 straight homecoming games, hope their good fortune continues Saturday, when they play host to Illinois State at Stambaugh Stadium at 4 p.m.
YSU is 5-3 overall and 2-1 in the Gateway Conference, while Illinois State is 3-5, 0-3.
The Penguins' 11-game homecoming win streak dates to 1991 when they lost to Liberty, 10-8.
Since that time they had defeated Eastern Illinois (1992), Delaware State (1993), North Alabama (1994), Wingate (1995), Northwestern (La.) State (1996), Buffalo (1997), Southern Illinois (1998 and 2002), Cal Poly (1999), Indiana State (2000) and Illinois State (2001).
This is a game that means a lot to the players, especially the older ones who have been here a while," said YSU coach Jon Heacock.
Homecoming success
Youngstown State is 47-14-1 all-time in homecoming games, including an 18-3 mark at Stambaugh Stadium.
Last Saturday, the Penguins won a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory over Indiana State. The Penguins trailed 24-14 with just over seven minutes remaining.
"It was just another example of the fact that Youngstown State teams just never give up under any circumstance," Heacock said. "We always feel that we have a chance to win.
Illinois State comes in with a four-game losing streak, including all three Gateway games. Last week, the Redbirds lost 27-24 to Western Kentucky on a touchdown in the final two minutes.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Besides homecoming, the game will also serve as the introduction to the Athletic Hall of Fame's new class.
Seven individuals, including four former football standouts, will be inducted prior to the contest and introduced at the stadium just prior to kickoff.
This year's inductees include former football players Bob Lynn (1951-53), Tamron Smith (1990-93), Jeff Wilkins (1990-93) and Drew Gerber (1990-93).
Smith, Wilkins and Gerber were captains of the 1993 national championship team.
Also being enshrined are former women's basketball coach Ed DiGregorio, women's basketball standout Donna Wertz and track and field standout Dave Ritter.
The homecoming parade will be held prior to the game along Fifth Avenue to the stadium.