Calling all Penguins’ fans: Hartzell hopes to break attendance record

By Jon Moffett

YOUNGSTOWN — Dick Hartzell described himself as goal-oriented.

The 66-year-old Boardman native had a goal to play football for the Youngstown State Penguins. Hartzell achieved the goal in 1960 when he walked on as placekicker. His latest goal involves Youngstown State, but hopes other people can help him achieve it.

“I want a crowd of 22,000 people for [tonight’s] game,” Hartzell said.

The Penguins play host to Liberty (3-0) at 6 p.m.

Hartzell, who owns the Jump Stretch Fitness Center on Meridian Road and is a radio commentator for the football team, said the number would break the record for attendance of 21,119 set in 2000.

“That record has stood for too long,” Hartzell said. “We’ve got to get rid of it and set a new one.”

In order to help accomplish the goal, Hartzell partnered with representatives of Do-Cut True Value, Niles Manufacturing, Bass Home Inspection and Doeberling-Muccio Physical Therapy to purchase 900 tickets for the game.

“We bought 900 tickets, and we’re giving 900 tickets away,” Hartzell said.

Hartzell added he has given away all of the tickets in order to help reach his goal. He said that approximately 18,000 tickets had been sold as of Wednesday.

Hartzell said that Youngstown State’s 32-24 victory over No. 2-ranked North Dakota State last week prompted him to take action.

“The motivation is to get as much support as possible for this football team because they displayed a lot of character on the field last week,” Hartzell said. “They displayed national championship caliber football last week.

If we can get this town out and get the team motivated, maybe we can bring a fifth national championship to Youngstown.”

jmoffett@vindy.com