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Curbstone Coaches induct 50th Hall of Fame Class
Chaney standout one of 13 inductees
By Greg Gulas
BOARDMAN
When former Chaney High football standout Jim O’Malley received the call in January that he was selected for enshrinement into the 50th Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame, he instantly recalled the fun that he had playing for the Cowboys and legendary coach Red Angelo.
He also recalled his experiences on the hardwood and as a member of the school’s track and field teams, noting how memorable the recruiting process was his senior year and how he ultimately ended up at Notre Dame University upon graduation.
Yet the guy who spent three seasons in the NFL as a member of the Denver Broncos’ hard-hitting defense in the mid-1970’s had a dilemma that not even the sacking of a quarterback could solve.
Returning to Youngstown four days early for Sunday’s induction ceremonies at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center simply wasn’t enough time to catch up with everyone that he needed to, nor could he properly thank those for their time and words of encouragement they provided him during his formative years.
“This is my hometown and I proudly tell anyone who asks that I love Youngstown, Ohio,” O’Malley said. “When I walked into the banquet hall tonight it looked like a St. Brendan’s-Chaney High School reunion.”
The inquisitive O’Malley asked about the status of the Golden Dawn, MVR and Elmton restaurants, eating establishments he called his favorites when he returned home.
“When my kids got a little older they would ask where we were going on vacation this year. I would tell them Youngstown and their reply was why not somewhere exotic and wild,” O’Malley said. “Talk about exotic, where else could you get haluski, slanina, and the greatest sausage and peppers plate. As for wild, I told them you will get to meet your uncles, my high school teammates and the Lowry brothers. Idora Park and Borts swimming pool was closed by then, but the memories for me have been everlasting.”
Former Austintown Fitch Falcons baseball coach Wally Ford, Jr., was the fourth all-sports honoree. He joined his father, Wally, Sr. (class of 1997), as one of just a handful father-son combinations to be so honored while calling his wife Joni, his rock through their 37 years of marriage.
“My wife has been to more football fields, rugby fields and baseball diamonds than any woman should have to,” Ford said. “She has been everything to me and our two daughters.”
Baseball honoree Tony DelBene, a former NCAA Small College All-American at Youngstown State, credited his baseball coach, the late Dom Rosselli as a big influence in his career.
“Dom Rosselli was like a second father to me,” DelBene said. “He cared about everyone that played for him and not only was he a great coach, he was an even greater person.”
Area referee and official Anthony Montana, a special award recipient, was appreciative of the crowd.
“This might be the very first time that an official has actually received this many applause,” he said.
Bowling honoree Jim Bryant is the architect of 23 perfect games.
Former Penguin signal-caller Mark Brungard, the only starting quarterback to lead YSU to two Division I-AA national championships, credited his parents and current YSU President Jim Tressel as major influences in his life.
Former Cardinal Mooney, University of Michigan and Los Angeles Raiders standout, and local entrepreneur Ed Muransky served as guest speaker while other honorees included Jeff Bayuk (football), Bruce Burge (contribution to sports), John Cullen (basketball), Henry Nemenz, Sr. (posthumous award), Craig Snyder (boxing), Tammy Swearingen (volleyball) and Dave Veitz (special award).