YSU plans familyfun before doubleheader

Dom Rosselli bobbleheads will be given away at the game.

THE VINDICATOR

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University will throw a party for families Saturday, before the men’s basketball team plays nationally ranked Butler University.

Kids Basketball Day will take place before the hoops doubleheader. The Penguins women team will host Detroit at 4:35 p.m. at Beeghly Center, with the men’s team taking on Butler in the second game.

Children will be admitted free to Basketball Day, which begins at 1:30 p.m. indoors at Stambaugh Stadium, adjacent to Beeghly Center. The event will be in the giant gym inside the stadium. Entrances are along the Fifth Avenue side

Bounce-arounds, inflatables and skill games will be available, and YSU mascots Pete and Penny will greet people and pose for photos. YSU student-athletes will monitor the activities and offer skill games in which children can win tickets to upcoming YSU basketball games.

“We encourage the youth of our area to enjoy this day on the YSU campus,” said Ron Strollo, YSU athletic director. “It gives families an opportunity to utilize our great facilities, allow the children to enjoy family-safe indoor activities and to watch two tremendous NCAA Division I basketball games right here in their own community.”

Basketball Day will have an NBA flavor, thanks to the Cleveland Cavalier Girls dance team. The Cavs Girls will be available for autographs and photographs from 6:30 to 7 p.m. — between games of the doubleheader — inside Beeghly Center. They will then perform during the first half and halftime of the men’s game against Butler.

In addition, the Chalker High School cheerleading squad will perform at halftime of both the men’s and women’s games.

A unique souvenir will be given to the first 2,500 fans: a bobblehead doll of YSU Hall of Fame coach Dom Rosselli. Rosselli led both the Penguins basketball and baseball programs to a combined 1,000 victories in a career that spanned six decades.

“We are proud to present this unique giveaway of Dom,” said Tony Lariccia, chairman of YSU’s Centennial campaign. “Dom served our university and community for his entire life. This bobblehead is a special collectible that helps us commemorate our Centennial Celebration throughout 2007 and 2008 and pays tribute to one of the greatest college coaches.”

The Lariccia family donated the bobbleheads.

Tickets for Saturday’s doubleheader and all Penguins home games are available in the YSU ticket office or by calling (330) 941-1YSU during normal business hours. Parking for both events is available at the various decks and lots on the YSU campus.

Go to YSUsports.com for more information.