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Curbstone coaches seek better attendance
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
The response that the Curbstone Coaches organization has received for its annual high school football banquet, held each January to honor area first-team all-league, Northeast Inland and all-state selections, has been overwhelming.
Response for its basketball banquet the past several years has been underwhelming, at best.
The organization is expecting to hold its high school basketball recognition banquet on April 29 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Banquet Hall as they look to honor this year’s boys and girls players who have earned first-team all-conference laurels.
The membership is currently seeking applications for its two available $1,000 scholarships, which will be presented that night to a deserving boys and girls’ player.
“Response for our high school basketball banquet has been very slow thus far and we’re hoping that it will pick up over the next week or so,” said Bob Camardo, banquet co-chair. “Last year, we had to cancel the banquet due to the poor response but we’ve decided to try it again this year with the hopes of having better participation. If the banquet is cancelled again this year, then it might be hard to revive in the future.
“All area high school boys and girl’s head basketball coaches, as well as school athletic directors have been mailed information regarding the scholarship application process, as well as banquet information so we are hoping that they will take advantage of this opportunity in order to recognize the outstanding student-athletes from their schools. Each school can nominate one male and one female candidate and we encourage them to take advantage of this scholarship opportunity.”
Scholarship criteria is based on a player’s on-court and off-court achievement with application forms due to the committee by Friday.
Tickets for the banquet are due by April 23.
Dom Velasquez, quarterback, captain and four-year letterwinner for the Western Reserve Blue Devils, was the recipient if this year’s “Byrd Giampietro Scholarship Award” and $1,000 check, which was presented at January’s football banquet.
“The organization is coming off its most successful high school football recognition banquet, drawing over 450 attendees in January,” Camardo stated. “We want very much to do the same for the basketball banquet, but need the coaches and their respective athletic directors to take this opportunity as serious as their football counterparts.”
Further information regarding scholarship applications and ticket information can be obtained by calling 330-506-9829.
The Curbstone Coaches will also host its 51st hall of fame induction ceremonies, scheduled for May 6 at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center as 12 new members are set for enshrinement.
Former NFL and YSU placekicker Paul McFadden will serve as guest speaker.
The 2018 class includes Don Andres (basketball, coach), Arthur Berquist (bowling), Dr. Raymond Duffett (contribution to sports), Jim Fox (track and field/cross country), Joseph J. “Blackie” Gennaro (posthumous, boxing), Laurie Gomez-Henes (track and field/cross country), Steve Jones (football), Michael Kernan (football), Todd Marian (golf), Ann Marie Martin (basketball), Ed Moore (special award) and The Vindicator sports editor Ed Puskas (sports media).