SPORTS DIGEST || YSU honors fallen officer with scholarship

YSU honors fallen officer with scholarship

Youngstown

Youngstown State University and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the Officer Justin A. Leo ‘324’ Memorial Scholarship in Athletics to enhance the YSU Athletics Scholarship Endowment Fund.

This scholarship honors the memory of Girard officer Justin A. Leo who was killed in the line of duty in October 2017. Leo worked for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department and the Vienna Police Department prior to his appointment to the Girard Police Department on July 6, 2012.

The scholarship endowment will be awarded to a YSU student-athlete with preference given to Trumbull and Mahoning County natives, and specifically graduates of Girard High School.

The Leo Family will be honored during the second quarter of Saturday’s football game against Southern Illinois.

Ex-Phantom Sherwood makes NHL debut

Youngstown

Former Phantom Kiefer Sherwood made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks in Wednesday’s 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The New Albany native tallied an assist on Carter Rowney’s goal in the third period.

Sherwood spent two full seasons with the Phantoms from 2013-2015. He finished his time in Youngstown after playing 124 games and had 90 points (42G, 48A). After his time in Youngstown, Sherwood attended Miami (Ohio) where he played three seasons before making his professional debut with the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls.

He now joins former Phantoms Kyle Conner, Scott Mayfield, Brandon Saad, Andrej Sustr, and Nathan Walker in the NHL.

Twin State Racing announces HOF class

Youngstown

Youngstown’s Twin State Auto Racing Club and its members have voted on the newest enshrinees of their ninth Hall of Fame class. The new inductees will receive their Hall of fame plaque at the club’s 46th annual Awards Banquet at Ciminero’s Banquet Hall in Niles Nov. 24. The banquet is open to the public with ticket information to be announced shortly.

Inductees include: Dick Swartzlander (driver), Gary Miday (driver) and Tom Johnson (driver), Dave Wagner (deceased drivers), Mark Marcucci (deceased drivers), Bob Brockett (car owner), Jim Clinger (car owner), Al Paradise (racing journalist) and Raceway 7 owner Ron Nielson.

Beech scores twice in Mount Union victory

ALLIANCE

The Mount Union women’s soccer team defeated John Carroll 3-0 on Wednesday for the Purple Raiders’ first Ohio Athletic Conference win of 2018.

Junior Lauren Beech, a United graduate, tallied two goals for her team-leading fourth goal fourth goal of the season.

Senior Nicole Lanese scored her 50th career goal on her first goal of the season for the Purple Raiders (4-5, 1-1 Ohio Athletic Conference). Lanese became the new leader at Mount Union for all-time career goals.

Beech scored her first goal in the third minute as she headed the ball into the net off a Mount Union cross. She scored again in the 55th minute.

Father admits cash led to son’s commitment

NEW YORK

The father of a top college basketball prospect has testified that his son was offered thousands of dollars to play at several major programs.

Brian Bowen Sr. testified Thursday at a federal trial in New York that aspiring agent Christian Dawkins told him he could get $50,000 to play at the University of Arizona, $150,000 to go to Oklahoma State or $80,000 to go to Creighton. He said there was interest from Oregon but he didn’t recall a cash offer.

Bowen was testifying at the New York City trial of Dawkins and two other defendants accused of making secret payments to recruits’ families.

Prosecutors say Bowen’s son ended up signing with Louisville after a deal was struck to pay the family $100,000.

Staff/wire reports