Silver anniversary for YSU's Ice Castle

Fans can vote for Stambaugh Stadium's greatest games and best players.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- The 2007 football season at Youngstown State will mark the 25th anniversary of Stambaugh Stadium.
On Sept. 4, 1982 Stambaugh Stadium was officially dedicated as the first on-campus football facility in the school's history.
The 25th anniversary will be observed Sept. 8 when the Penguins entertain South Dakota State.
"We are very proud to center our 2007 football marketing efforts around the 25th anniversary of our great stadium," Ron Strollo, Executive Director of Athletics, said. "As a former player, I can fully attest to the true homefield advantage Stambaugh provides and the tremendous atmosphere that Penguin tailgaters and fans bring to this campus every Saturday in the fall."
Part of that celebration will be the selection of the five greatest football games played at Stambaugh and with the 25 greatest players to play a game there.
YSU fans will be asked to vote on each.
"We are very excited to involve our fans in the voting for the greatest players and greatest games through our website", stated Rick Love, Associate Athletic Director. "Our fans have truly made this the special place it is over the years and allowing them to have input into the celebration is important."
From March 1 to July 1, fans can vote at ysusports.com.
Stellar record
Including the opening game in 1982, which the Penguins lost to Akron 20-19, YSU is 125-41-1 all-time at Stambaugh Stadium.
"Stambaugh Stadium is a very special place," said Love. "There aren't too many stadiums in the country that have enjoyed the success that we have had here."
Love hopes to have many of the top players selected during one of the home games this season.
Flim clips of the five greatest games selected will also be shown on the stadium scoreboard before the game and during halftime.
Love is also trying to contact members of the 1982 team and have them present for the celebration.
He is also working on several promotion deals, including stadium replicas and posters.
He has already secured Medical Mutual of Ohio as the main sponsor for the year-long event.
YSU will open the 2007 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 playing at Ohio State. The home schedule features seven games, beginning Sept. 8 against South Dakota State. Season tickets are on sale now through the Athletic Ticket Office.