Grid golf outing a success

Special to The Vindicator

A great turnout, a new coaching staff and new locations helped spice up the YSU Football Alumni Reunion on May 7.

The outing was at the Kennsington Golf Club, while the spaghetti dinner was at Mr. Anthony’s at the Maronite Center.

It was also the first time for new Penguins coach Eric Wolford and his staff to take part in the event.

The golf outing featured more than 90 participants.

For the second consecutive year and third time in four years, the foursome of Ray Briya (1965-67), Pete Brittain, Randy Barker (1980-81) and Frank Pokorny (1982-84) won the event with an impressive round of 60 (11-under-par) during the best-ball format. The group had 11 birdies and carded a solid 29 on the back-nine.

Finishing second with a 61 was the foursome of Tom Meola (1977-79), Casey Orosz (1976-79), Tom Orosz and Ray DiDonato.

Coach Wolford and his staff mingled, cooked hot dogs, and some even participated in the event.

Special teams coordinator-running backs coach Louie Matsakis took over grill duties.

The skill prize winners were Chris Vecchione (1988-92), who had the longest made putt on No. 1; Mark Holtzman, who had the longest drive in the fairway on No. 3; David Janofa (1985-87), who was closest to the pin on No. 8; Mike Roman, (1967-70) who had the longest drive in the fairway on No. 10; DiDonato, who was closest to the pin on No. 13, and Bob Courtney (1983-86), who made the longest putt on No. 18.

The next Football Alumni Club gathering is July 11 at the Bocce Social hosted at the MVR.