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YSU women’s program starts a new chapter
New YSU Womens Coach
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Bob Boldon, a standout player at Louisville High and NAIA Walsh University in the mid-1990s, was hired to jump-start a Penguins program coming off the two worst seasons in school history.
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ROBERT K. YOSAY | THE VINDICATOR..Bob Boldon, a standout player at Louisville High and NAIA Walsh University in the mid-1990s, was hired to jump-start a Penguins program coming off the two worst seasons in school history.
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ROBERT K. YOSAY | THE VINDICATOR..Bob Boldon, a standout player at Louisville High and NAIA Walsh University in the mid-1990s, was hired to jump-start a Penguins program coming off the two worst seasons in school history.
By JON MOFFETT
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State president Dr. David Sweet handed new women’s coach Bob Boldon a basketball emblazoned with the school logo and mascot, and offered Boldon his support and best wishes for next season.
The ball is in Boldon’s court now.
Boldon, 34 and a native of Louisville, was officially introduced as the program’s sixth head coach at a press conference Wednesday. He replaces Cindy Martin, who resigned last month after going 3-57 the past two seasons.
“[This opportunity] is obviously something I’m very excited about,” Boldon said.
“This is a dream opportunity for me. It’s unique any time that you are able to get a Division I coaching job, and it’s especially unique when you’re able to do it so close to where you grew up.”
YSU athletic director Ron Strollo said the hire was a weight off the athletic department’s shoulders, considering Martin’s unexpected resignation March 15.
“When we make a commitment to a coach, we want to stand beside him or her and make sure we see it through,” Strollo said. “Coach Martin made a decision, and we moved quickly to move ahead and find a coach. And to find someone of his caliber is something we’re excited about.”
Boldon, a standout point guard at Louisville High and Walsh University, was one of more than 80 applicants to apply for the position. Strollo said Boldon was the easy choice because of his vision for the program.
“I’m just excited about Bob’s plan,” Strollo said. “He has a plan, and he has head coaching experience, successful head coaching experience ... He brings all of that to us.”
Part of Boldon’s plan is to change the culture of the program.
He stressed the importance of returning the team to its winning ways of the 1990s.
One area Boldon will have to focus on quickly is the makeup of the team. Formally offered the job Monday, Boldon said he has met with the team, but has yet to begin evaluations or watch any game film.
In addition to the current roster, which was decimated by injuries last year, Boldon must focus his attention on recruiting.
Luckily, Boldon has “vast” experience on the subject, he said.
“I’ve always had recruiting responsibilities since the first day I was a college coach,” he said.
I’ve been a head coach before, so obviously there were a lot of recruiting responsibilities with that job.”
Boldon added recruiting local talent is vital, and will be a priority of this regime.
“We’re not talking about an area that is devoid of basketball talent,” he said. “As a city, as a region, or as a state, there are a lot of good players here.
“We’d take them all if you could get the other schools to stay out of here, but I don’t know if they’d agree to that,” he joked.
“We would love to get some local kids that are good, because there are plenty of them here.”
Boldon said the facilities, administrative support and opportunity to play are a few features he plans to use for recruitment.
The players Boldon hopes for are those with high character and who work hard, he said.
He added that he doesn’t want good players, but rather really good players.
Or a great one, if she becomes available.
Despite the program’s recent struggles, Boldon said he received only positive feedback from those whose opinions he sought.
He added that Division I coaching positions are enviable, no matter the condition.
“This is a good job,” he said. “I’m very happy to have this job, and I think it’s a great job to have. I’m very fortunate to have this job.”
Boldon even went as far as to say he was “ecstatic” after he received the phone call from Strollo on Monday.
Before introducing Boldon, Sweet said he was already given a prediction for the 2010-11 season.
“[Boldon] is going to hit the ground running, and Ron Strollo promises me that we’re going to have a great year next year,” Sweet said.
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