Julius a grid legend in Valley

The former Campbell player and coach and YSU standout died at age 94 Friday.

STAFF REPORT

Remembered as a humble and compassionate man, Carmen Julius was a star on the football field and a leader as a coach.

Julius, 94, passed away Friday at Park Vista Nursing Care, where he was a resident.

A native of Campbell, where he later was a teacher and coach, Julius was the first team captain in Youngstown College football history.

“Carmen Julius was an old friend,” said former Youngstown State athletic director Joe Malmisur. “When I came to Youngstown State … Carmen was the first person to join actively to help us recruit athletes from the city. He was extremely faithful to YSU.”

Julius had a standout prep career at Campbell Memorial High School. He played offensive guard, weighing about 150 pounds, and was described as a fierce tackler on defense. He also served as the team’s punter.

As a junior he led the Red Devils to an 9-1 record and as a senior Campbell was 8-1-1, both teams coached by Denny Barrett. They 1931 team allowed just 34 points all season, registering five shutouts, and the ’32 squad allowed 38 points, with 20 of them scored by Erie (Pa.) East in the Red Devils’ only loss.

Julius reflected his most fond memories were games against South and East.

Following graduation, Julius went to work for his uncle, Anthony Julius, before enrolling at Ohio State in 1935.

One year later he returned to the Valley, enrolling at Youngstown College as a 21-year-old sophomore.

He served as captain of the first football teams at Youngstown. The Penguins finished with 4-5 records in both seasons.

Julius earned his bachelor’s degree from YSU in 1941 in education and later earned a master’s from Westminster.

“Carmen Julius was without question one of the most humble athletes ever to come out of the Mahoning Valley,” recalled former YSU sports information director Greg Gulas, who was taught by Julius.

“As hard-nosed as he was on the football field at both Campbell Memorial and then Youngstown College, he was just as compassionate to the many students that he taught over the years in the Campbell School System.

“He taught me a very important lesson in life; a lesson that I have never forgotten to this day. He said to say ‘thank you,’ especially to your parents for the many sacrifices that they make on your behalf.

“He was one of my mentors and someone whose friendship I have treasured over the years.”

Julius coached at Ursuline High for several years before returning to Campbell as a coach in 1949.

He taught in the Campbell schools until his retirement in 1979, and served Youngstown State as a recruiter in his retirement.

“You often hear the phrase ‘he was a nice man,’ but Carmen was simply a very nice man,” said Malmisur. “I can’t imagine how many lives that he has touched over the years.”

Julius is a member of several halls of fame, including the YSU Athletics Hall of Fame, the Campbell Memorial High School Hall of Fame and the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Wasko Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. at St. Lucy Church in Campbell. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Wasko Funeral Home.