Bo Pelini to Campbell athletes: Be leaders

CAMPBELL — Bo Pelini, head football coach at Youngstown State University, told Campbell’s student athletes that they deserve congratulations for being at tonight’s Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet.

“It marks achievement, and the effort and commitment,” he said, that are necessary for achievement in life. The banquet was at Campbell Elementary School.

Pelini, who grew up in the Mahoning Valley and is a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, said he understands “where you’re coming from.”

“We’re all shaped by who you associate with,” he continued. “You’re getting to an important time in your life. Society is changing,” he said. “Values are changing. I see it first-hand.”

“I’ve seen a lot and been around the greatest football players – hall of famers,” said Pelini. Of his 21 years on the sidelines, 12 have been either as a head coach or collegiate coordinator, and nine were as a defensive assistant in the NFL, according to his biography on YSU’s web page. He came to YSU in December from the University of Nebraska.

“People will make jokes,” he warned. “And say you aren’t cool. But at the end of the day, you have to be willing to stand for something. That’s what a leader does.”

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com