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Hartzell rugby benefit is Saturday
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Hartzell
By Steve Wilaj
Mary Kay Hartzell’s tone softens.
While describing her son Michael Hartzell, who was fatally shot nine years ago while on duty for the Youngstown Police Department, she speaks delicately.
“Michael was a great son and a great person,” she said. “He loved to help people.”
In an effort to continue Hartzell’s generosity, the Youngstown Steel Valley Rugby Club will present the Mike Hartzell Rugby Classic at 5 p.m. on May 19 at Austintown Fitch High School. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will benefit the Michael T. Hartzell Memorial Scholarship.
“I knew there was a scholarship in [Hartzell’s] name and I brought that to the club,” said Bill Burton, a YPD officer and member of the local rugby team. “They agreed that would be a good way to start getting more involved in the community and that it was a very worthy cause.”
Hartzell’s parents created the scholarship soon after their son was killed in 2003.
Having raised approximately $250,000 throughout its history, the scholarships are awarded annually – available to children of all tri-county police officers. A scholarship is also offered to students of Austintown Fitch High (Hartzell’s alma mater) intending to major in Criminal Justice or Paramedicine at Youngstown State University.
“This is an example of something good coming out of a bad situation,” said Brett Grabman, the club’s vice president and a Lordstown Police officer. “I think everybody can respect that.”
“[The scholarship]’s something that, even though Mike’s gone, it’s going to give back to the community, tenfold,” said Burton, who worked with Hartzell as part of the YPD.
Recalling Hartzell, Burton spoke highly of his late friend.
“He would walk in and light up a room,” he said. “First and foremost we want to help out the Mike Hartzell scholarship fund, but we also want to promote the sport of rugby in the valley.”
Finishing with a 7-3 record in its spring season, YSVRC will face the Canton Men’s Rugby Club in the charity match. Similar to football, Burton promised the game will be exciting, entertaining, and “hard-hitting.”
“It’ll be be very fast, very rough, very tough, and also very confusing, possibly,” Grabman said.
Knowing many are not familiar with the sport, all fans will receive a pamphlet explaining rules, penalties, and other basic information about rugby gameplay.
“If you don’t understand the game of rugby, you’ll go and figure it out pretty quick,” Burton said.
In addition, there will be a high school Strongman competition sponsored by Ironman Warehouse as part of the halftime show, as well as open concessions.
“I think people that show up for this game are really going to enjoy what they see and they’re going to have a real good time with it,” Burton said.
Howard Hartzell is confident the community will continue to support his son and encourages people to explore the game of rugby.
“Hopefully, a lot of people are going to be interested to see how [rugby]’s played,” he said. “And hopefully it’s a big crowd, which will do well for the donation.”