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YSU alumni group grew out of a golf foursome
Former YSU basketball players gather at Kennsington
By Greg Gulas
CANFIELD
When Rich Denamen, Gregg Merrill, Chuck Montgomery and the late Lindsay Randall got together for a round of golf seven years ago, little did they know back then but their group would eventually grow, evolve and become a Youngstown State basketball alumni group.
After Jerrod Calhoun was named Penguins basketball coach last season and knowing his affinity to reconnect with the program’s past players, each knew that there was a reason they had come together that day for that simple round of play.
“We all got together for a fun round of golf back then and it just ballooned from there,” said Denamen, the unofficial coordinator who played for legendary head coach Dom Rosselli from 1968-72. “Each year we’ve attracted more former players who want to golf and take part in the weekend’s festivities. This year was our best turnout to date with nearly 60 taking part, including several former YSU baseball and football players also taking part.”
The group attracted 22 alums to Kennsington Golf Club for Friday’s outing with 59 set for last night’s dinner at Beeghly Center by Rosselli’s outside statue.
Nearly 50 will tailgate and then attend today’s football game against Valparaiso.
“I think having a strong basketball alumni base is critical in our development as a program,” Calhoun said. “I also think it is awesome that this group has continued their friendship over the years and continue to support the Penguins. We hope to honor our alumni again this year at one of our games.”
Merrill, who played basketball four years for Rosselli and was also a three-year letterwinner in baseball, likes the new attitude that Calhoun has brought to his alma mater.
“I love coach Calhoun’s energy, his enthusiasm and the new recruits that he has brought into the program,” he stated. “I also enjoy the fact that he cares about the alums. Billy Johnson always tells me that this is his favorite weekend, so who am I to argue about that?”
Johnson vividly recalls when Calhoun made the effort to contact him to meet past players who made the program so great.”
“I waited 50 years for that call and coach Calhoun made the effort to personally get in touch with me last year when he came on board,” Johnson said. “Kudos to him and how he has inspired past players to get involved with the program.”
Former Struthers standout and area high school hardwood coach Bob Patton came up from his home in Seminole, Fla.
“It’s great to see so many familiar faces and be with a coach that embraces our past,” Patton said. “In basketball, all you need is two or three key players to have a great season. I’d like to see coach Calhoun get those key players so we can finally end up in the NCAA tournament.”
Former Penguin baseball player Mike Szenborn (1972-75) was taking part in his fourth alumni event.
“There’s a camaraderie here that is second to none,” he said. “It’s great to see everyone, we swap old stories, again, and they always seem to get better with each passing year.”
Former player Bill Barnhart (1969-71) came from farthest away (Alta Loma, Calif.) while football alums, John Kinch and Rudy Florio, made the foray from Canada to attend all festivities.