COLUMBIANA, OH- “Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen,” began DJ Yokley on the latest episode of “Catching the Curb,” a vibrant podcast dedicated to the sports scene in Youngstown, Ohio. On this episode, the ever-enthusiastic host welcomed the show’s regular guest, Bob Camardo, along with special surprises in the form of Frank Frattaroli and Tom Miller, who Camardo humorously referred to as his “bodyguards.”

The podcast kicked off with a discussion about a recent power outage at the renovated Beagley Center at Youngstown State University (YSU), where both the women’s and men’s basketball games had to be canceled. “I wait all year for basketball season, and it was going to be an exciting start,” said Camardo. “Then, 5:00 PM hits, I heard a pop, and everything went completely dark.” Camardo’s recount of the incident served as the episode’s opening hook, revealing the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding local sports.

The cancellation was particularly unfortunate for the North Dakota women’s basketball team, who had flown in specifically to play against YSU. “Poor North Dakota women’s team had flown in just to play. They came in for nothing,” lamented Camardo. Despite this, there’s still hope for rescheduling the men’s game with Westminster, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the YSU sports community.

Moreover, the discussion soon pivoted to the impressive transformations seen within the Beagley Center. “It looks great. The seats are bigger, which helps a fat butt like me,” joked Camardo, revealing his candid yet humorous nature. He appreciated the modern improvements, including the new scoreboard, albeit acknowledging the night’s blackout, quipping, “Only in Youngstown.”

Their conversation sailed smoothly into a review of recent guests who graced the Curbstone Coaches luncheon meetings. From Riley Jarrett, YSU’s new volleyball coach, to Melissa Jackson, the pioneering women’s basketball coach, Camardo offered praise: “Melissa’s a go-getter. If you want to be on board, fine; if not, hit the road.” The same high regard was given to Ethan Faulkner, the new men’s basketball coach, whose appearance drew a “big crowd” and much excitement.

“There’s a lot of excitement, and believe me when I tell you, Ethan knows it,” Camardo stated confidently, emphasizing the significant anticipation around the YSU basketball scene. The conversation veered into reflecting on the increased fan support for YSU basketball. “What Calhoun did here is he brought it to everybody’s attention that it’s the place to be,” noted Camardo, voicing his respect for the former coach, Jared Calhoun, and his transformative impact on the program.

Yokley and Camardo also discussed the fall high school sports scene, considered a critical part of the local culture. “It’s good for the area when there’s a lot of interest in teams possibly winning state championships,” said Camardo, highlighting the local enthusiasm for high school football. Potential championship contenders like Ursuline, Warren JFK, and South Range were mentioned, which reflects the strong community support present in Youngstown’s sports ecosystem.

Before ending his segment, Camardo unveiled some exciting upcoming events for the Curbstone Coaches. Notably, the appearance of Jim Rosenhouse, Cleveland Guardians broadcaster, set for January 13th, is one event that fans won’t want to miss. “The Guardians had a heck of a year, obviously,” said Camardo, leaving the audience with something to look forward to.

In each anecdote and quote, Camardo’s passion for sports and his community role was evident. The dialog wasn’t merely about games; it was about the people, the excitement, and the shared experiences that make Youngstown’s sports culture so unique. And as Yokley signed off, it was clear that the fire for local sports was, despite all odds, burning brighter than ever.

“Catching the Curb,” then welcomed a familiar face to its recent episode. Tom Miller, affectionately known in the community as the “Banquet Guru,” returned to discuss the intricate process behind the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame, sharing insights and updates that captivated listeners.

Miller, who has become a notable figure in the organization of the Hall of Fame banquet, detailed the selection and induction processes, emphasizing the importance of thorough application submissions and nominations. “Right now, we’ve got about 28 or 29 applications,” Miller revealed. “From those, we aim to pick 12 to be inducted on May 4, 2025.”

During the conversation, Miller highlighted the notable leadership transition within the Curbstone Coaches. He praised President Bob Camero for his exceptional dedication. “Over the last couple of years, he took over in a situation where nobody wanted to be president. And he’s doing just a phenomenal job,” Miller shared.

The episode also took an emotional turn as Miller and Yokley found a personal connection when discussing their daughters, both named Bella. “Great minds think alike,” Yokley remarked, signifying the warm rapport between them.

Miller provided details about the upcoming induction ceremony, including the preparation stages leading up to the banquet. This year’s event will feature renowned speaker Greg Pruitt, a former Cleveland Browns player, as a highlight. “He’s a good inspirational speaker,” Miller said, reflecting on Pruitt’s reputation for engaging speeches.

An essential cutoff date for nominations was addressed. Miller urged potential nominees to submit their applications by November 10th, though he hinted at a brief extension to November 11th. “No application, I can’t get you in,” he stressed, encouraging timely submissions.

The broadcast concluded with Miller offering his contact information for any last-minute applications, ensuring the community stayed informed and involved. The episode reinforced the deep sense of community and dedication that drives the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the grand event in May.

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