Zetts joins YSU Athletics HOF

September 17, 2017 at 12:09a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Over the course of this year and part of last year, former Youngstown State quarterback Tom Zetts gained two titles and lost one.

As YSU defeated Central Connecticut State 59-9 on Saturday, Zetts earned the label of being a member of the Youngstown State Athletic Hall of Fame.

“I would never be presumptuous about it,” Zetts said of the honor. “I played with guys who were All-Americans, NFL roster guys. I know Marcus Mason is in, but there’s guys out there that have higher honors than I did that haven’t been inducted yet.

“To be selected is an incredible honor and at the actual ceremony, the thing I harped on the most is that it is a testament to the coaching staff and those teammates.”

Zetts started for four years with the Penguins from 2004 through 2007 is the program’s all-time leader in touchdown passes, passing yards, completions, completion percentage and 200-yard passing games. The label that he lost — and one he’s happy to see fade away — is that before the 2016 season, he was the last YSU quarterback to play in the playoffs in 2006.

“I’m thrilled for them and hope that this is a regular thing,” Zetts said.

The other label he’s earned? He’s a father. Zetts brought his four-day old daughter, Mariella, to Saturday’s ceremony along with his wife, Brittany.

“She’s beautiful and I’m totally amazed at how well my wife has bounced back and how healthy that little girl is,” Zetts said. “I’m grateful and praying everyday and trying to catch a little sleep in-between.”

Other members of the class of 2017 include Brandon Caipen (baseball), Jessica Fraley (volleyball), Quin Humphrey (men’s basketball), Dr. Michael and Dr. Dianne Miladore (contributors) and Jay Payne (track and field).

RESERVES ROCK

With the game quickly turning into a rout against Central Connecticut State, a lot of players came off the bench and still took it to the Blue Devils.

South Range graduate Joe Alessi had 10 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown. Ricky Davis reprised his role as a quarterback and rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns on five carries.

Hubbard graduate Colin Burdette handled kickoffs for YSU.

GOOD TO GO

The Penguins had a brief scare when starting right tackle Cam Fraser went down with a left shoulder injury, exiting the game in the second quarter. Head coach Bo Pelini said Fraser will be fine.

“He didn’t come back, but he could have,” Pelini said. “We decided to hold him out. If we needed him, he could have gone back in the game.”

BROWNS CONNECTION

Former Cleveland Browns running back Cleo Miller served as the back judge for the game. Miller played for the Browns from 1975 to 1982.