Friday, November 26, 2010
By Jon Moffett
Youngstown
A softer side of Jerry Slocum was visible in the media room after his Youngstown State men’s basketball team defeated Toledo 73-67 on Wednesday night. It was a side that was truly grateful and appreciative.
“I’m thankful for my relationship with my family,” Slocum told the media after being asked what he held most dear to him this Thanksgiving. “Coaching is a hard business. And at times it’s been a challenge. But I’m very thankful for how much my family has supported me and loved me during my time here.”
Slocum said without the support of his wife, Kim, son, Aaron, daughter, Annelli and grandson, Aidan, his job would be more difficult because of the time required by the position. He spends a lot of time on the road and in his Beeghly Center office. But their support, he said, has made his passion a possibility.
And when Slocum isn’t spending time with his relatives, he’s with his other family on Dom Rosselli Court.
The Penguins boast a 3-1 record and are a perfect 3-0 at the Beeghly Center thus far. The team’s only loss came at the hands of Akron in overtime.
Sophomore forward Damian Eargle, a Warren G. Harding High graduate, said the team can feel the energy the fans provide, and are certainly thankful for all those who attend.
“It makes us excited to see more fans every time we play at home, which is something Youngstown hasn’t seen in a while,” he said. “The energy is just amazing here. I like to thank our fans for coming out. We play for them.”
Eargle got into foul trouble early in Wednesday’s game. He said he must have been thinking about his Thanksgiving meal a little too early. But in the second half, he proved he was no turkey. He brought the stuffing, blocking six shots in the game.
Eargle, 6-foot-7, 210 pounds, helped the Penguins block 10 total shots. They have seven players who are 6-foot-5 or taller on the roster.
Slocum said having that length certainly helps. But Eargle, who was also in foul trouble early in the loss to Akron, still has some learning to do.
“We’re long, but I think it hurt us against Akron that Damian was in foul trouble the whole night,” he said. “He’s a presence. He’s a presence every day in practice. And we’ve just got to get that dude to understand there are times when he has to take chances and there’s times when he shouldn’t.”
Eargle said he is still learning the nuances of the game.
“When you have three fouls, you try not to foul but you still have to play hard,” he said. “It’s a hard thing to do. I always play hard and I don’t worry about the fouls. If they come, they come.”