Donations pour in for Rayen Stadium

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Board of Education learned of more donations for the Rayen Stadium Renovation Project at its meeting Tuesday. The $3 million project is expected to be complete in time for an August football game. It will be the only home field for city school students.

The campaign has now raised about $1.8 million, close to two-thirds of the goal.

Frank and Norma Watson contributed $20,000 to the effort while Martha Bruce, Beth Sparks of the Sparks Group of Columbus and Ed and Sherry Matey, each contributed $1,000.

The Watsons also were contributors to Youngstown State University’s WATTS (Watson and Tressel) indoor athletic training facility. Jim Tressel, former YSU and Ohio State University football coach, is co-chairman of the Rayen fundraising campaign. His wife, Ellen, is the Watsons’ daughter. Matey is the city school district’s athletic director, Bruce is a former school- teacher, and Sparks contributed in honor of the Tressels and Watsons.