THE YSU & LOCAL SPORTS COMMUNITY REMEMBERS JOE MALMISUR

“There is no person I know who had more passion for his country, his hometown, his university and his family than Joe Malmisur. He changed my life and the lives of countless others.”

— Jim Tressel, YSU president and former Penguins football coach

“Joe will be missed by our Penguin family and his impact on our program and our university will never be forgotten. He was relentless in his pursuit of bringing championships back to the Youngstown community that meant so much to him. His efforts in starting the YSU Athletic Hall of Fame and Student-Athlete Academic Awards banquet have recognized thousands of Penguin athletes and will continue to impact generations to come. On a personal level, he was a constant and steadfast advisor to me and Nicole whether it involved our athletic programs or our professional lives. We have lost a true friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Olga and their children, Joe and Marty.”

— Ron Strollo, YSU athletic director

“Mr. Malmisur was an athletic director that made himself accessible to myself at any time. He was an exceptional person, administrator and even in his retirement always made an effort to say hello to me at YSU events. He’ll be missed by not only his YSU Family but the area.”.

— Dana Balash, WFMJ TV-21 sports director

“We’d go round and round about everything sports and Youngstown because he passionate about those two things. He was a football coach, but baseball was his first love. He loved his family, religion and hometown more than anyone I have ever known. I am going to miss our friendly banter.”

— Greg Gulas, Former YSU sports information director

“Mr. Malmisur loved Youngstown and YSU more than anyone I have ever met. Incredible loyalty to our community, he made an impact that will continue even after his passing. He gave me an opportunity to be the play-by-play voice of YSU football in 1989, and I am forever grateful.

— Bob Hannon, Former sports director at WYTV, Channel 33, President of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley

“Shocked and saddened by the news of Joe Malmisur’s passing. I was at his home just last week. His leadership as AD brought YSU athletics to local and national prominence. Joe was a visionary who worked tirelessly to upgrade all aspects of the department and showcase YSU. He was never shy about voicing his concerns and expectations. He was a champion for YSU and the Mahoning Valley. I will greatly miss his sagely advice and friendship.”

— Dan Wathen, former YSU head athletic trainer

“Mr. Malmisur gave me my opportunity at YSU, first as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, then as an assistant volleyball coach to John McKenna which led to a fulfilling and rewarding career.”

— Joe Conroy, Former YSU head olleyball coach and current intramural director.

“College athletics lost a star today, but we are better because Joe was among us. Joe was a straight shooter from the small college ranks who became the perfect fit at the perfect time for YSU. He was a mentor to me and many others. He never minced words or beat around the bush. What you got from Joe was straight and real.”

— Tim Gleason, YSU graduate and Youngstown native, current commissioner of the Ohio Athletic Conference since 1991

“Mr. Malmisur was truly the guiding force moving YSU athletics to Division I status. He gave his heart and soul to build the foundation for the future, giving many coaches and staff members their start in athletics. I will forever be greatful for his guidance.”

— Rick Love, Associate director of athletics for marketing and communications

SFlb“The name, Joe Malmisur, will be remembered by literally thousands of peope throughout the Mahoning Valley, the state of Ohio and beyond, and spans generations. Joe always attended our events, he was always proud of our students, he was always proud of our Youngstown community, and his passion for Youngstown State University never wavered. That passion places Joe high in Youngstown State history.

— Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Former YSU president