Students: Matchup is good for YSU

Student reactions are mixed, but most want to show
Penguin pride.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — With Youngstown State University’s football team set to take the field against Ohio State University this weekend, students’ feelings on the outcome of the game and its importance vary.

For some students such as Brooklyn Goins, 23, a senior telecommunications major, support for YSU is unwavering. She is confident that YSU will walk away with a victory.

“They are going to win,” she said.

Others are holding out hope that YSU will beat the OSU Buckeyes, but will not be surprised if the Penguins do not come back to the city with a victory.

Shawn Bouck, senior accounting student, said he thinks YSU will give the Buckeyes a good game but ultimately lose.

“This will be a tough one to call. It would really be interesting to see [YSU] win, but I just don’t think it will happen,” he said.

Marc Chiarello, a freshman in education, said he thinks OSU will likely dominate the entire game with a victory for OSU that will not surprise anyone. Still, Chiarello, an OSU fan, will show support for the Penguins.

“It’s just good for YSU to play this game. People say it’s not worth it, but once they see the money YSU will get for playing Ohio State, it’s worth it,” he said. “The downside is that Ohio State is my favorite team, and I won’t be wearing anything OSU this week.”

Andre Fareed, a junior biology major, also believes the Penguins are destined to lose to the Buckeyes, but, he said, it will not be a loss due to lack of effort.

“They will fight hard. I definitely think they will fight hard, but it will be an exercise in futility,” he said.

Thinks they have a shot

James Rogers, a junior in criminal justice, said the Penguins’ efforts might not be futile. He said the Penguins have a good shot at beating the Buckeyes. He said some critics have given the winning nod to the Penguins, but regardless of a win or defeat, he said, YSU will benefit from the game.

“Even if they lose, and I hope they don’t, this will be a big boost for YSU and hopefully will help the school with recruitment in the future,” he said.

Jonny Yurco, a junior theater major, P.J. Smere-chansky, a sophomore in English education, and Amber Gallagher, a junior in business marketing, took time Monday to comment on the upcoming game and determined that the overall positive experience for YSU players and fans would outweigh any other aspect of the game.

“This will be a great experience for our football team and when you play a team of Ohio State’s caliber you will definitely pick up a few pointers yourself,” said Smerechansky.

For Gallagher the game is another chance to show some Penguin pride.

“At least we are trying. I am proud to be a YSU student,” she said.

jgoodwin@vindy.com