43
YSU GETS STARTED
Photo
CLEAN ATTACK: Youngstown State freshman Gannon Hulea (16) fires a pass downfield during practice on Thursday at Stambaugh Stadium. YSU linebackers coach Jerry Olsavsky looks on in the background.
Photo
Coach Heacock talks to the team as they set up drills on the first day of practice at YSU.
Upcoming practice schedule for the Youngstown State football team. All practices will be held at Stambaugh Stadium unless noted. Schedule subject to change:
Today — 9:50 a.m. and 2:50 p.m.
Saturday — 9:50 a.m.
Sunday — 10:05 a.m.
Monday — 9:50 a.m.
Wednesday — 9:50 a.m and 4:20 p.m.
Aug. 13 — 9:50 a.m.
Aug. 14 — 9:50 a.m. and 4:20 p.m., both at the grass practice field.
Aug. 15 — 9:50 a.m. (scrimmage).
Aug. 17 — 9:50 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
Aug. 18 — 9:50 a.m.
First-year players take the field
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
The first day of practice is always an exciting time for the players at any level of play, but for those who were taking part in their first session of college football, the experience was one they’ll always remember.
Youngstown State coach Jon Heacock got his first real look at the 19 true freshmen that he’ll have on the roster this season Thursday morning when he put about 40 players through opening drills at Stambaugh Stadium.
The remainder of the YSU squad, mostly veterans, took part in the afternoon session. They’ll do the same thing today, which is the final day of summer school classes at the university where many of the veterans were taking part.
“They really did OK,” said Heacock of his first-year group. “I was kidding with some of them after practice telling them they looked like they had never seen the plays or the formations before, and they hadn’t.”
“It’s a difficult time for them and they get frustrated so quickly because they want to do well,” he added.
“I thought for the most part they came to camp in pretty good physical condition.”
For the first time in several seasons Heacock has a good crop of local talent on the roster. Six of them are from the Mahoning Valley and a seventh from nearby Western Pennsylvania.
Four of those standouts took time to reflect on their first day of action as a college player.
“The first day was a lot more upbeat than I’ve been used to,” said former Austintown Fitch standout Sylvestry Gibbs (6-foot, 195 pounds), a linebacker.
“I came to camp in pretty good shape, but it could be better.
“I’m really happy to be here,” he added. “There’s always been such great tradition here and it’s always nice to have your family and friends so close.”
Canfield High’s Dan Banna (5-11, 225, fullback) will have some very familiar competition facing him as he tries for a fullback position in the Penguins’ offense.
Banna, who chose YSU football over a potential baseball scholarship from Mid-American Conference schools, will be battling with his older brother Kyle, a junior with the Penguins and the top returning fullback prospect this fall.
“This will be the first time we’ve been on the same team and at the same position,” Banna said. “I hope to knock him down once or twice this fall.”
Banna said he could have chosen baseball, but he loves football too much.
“I just couldn’t stay away from football, ” he said, “and just being able to play along side my brother will be great.
Poland High’s Gannon Hulea (6-2, 200) was recruited by the Penguins as an athlete, but he’s been working out at the quarterback position.
“The first day was a lot of fun, there’s a difference, but it still just football,” he said. “The biggest difference is mentally because there is so much to learn. Right now I’m at quarterback, but down the road who knows. I really don’t care where they put me, I just want to play and be a part of this great tradition.”
Girard standout Kyle Stadelmyer (6-2, 190) played numerous positions during his career for the Indians, but he’s listed as a linebacker on the YSU roster.
“Defense has always been one of my strong points, but I wouldn’t mind getting a shot as some offense either,” he said. “But anywhere they put me is alright with me.”
Stadelmyer said adapting to the new terminology of the Penguins has been he most difficult part.
“Football is football, but learning all the new terms and calls will take a little more time,” he said.
The Penguins will assemble for their first full-team practice Saturday at 9:50 a.m. and will work out again Sunday at 10:50 a.m.
They will put on full pads and begin contact drills Monday at 9:50 a.m. and then take Tuesday off.