Tag Archive for: YSU

YSU BASEBALL ANNOUNCES 2020 SCHEDULE

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*Courtesy of YSUSports.com*

YOUNGSTOWN, OH-  The Youngstown State baseball team will begin the 2020 season with a three-game series at Houston and go on to host 21 home games at Eastwood Field, head coach Dan Bertolini has announced.

The 2020 schedule includes one Power-Five opponent and five from the Mid-American Conference. In addition to 21 home games, YSU will play four road contests against regional foes Akron, Kent State, and Pittsburgh.

The Penguins will open the 2020 season on Feb. 14 at Houston, and proceed to play their first 13 and 21 of their first 23 games on the road. The home opener is slated for March 10 against Bowling Green while Horizon League play is set to begin March 13 at Northern Kentucky.

After the opening series in Houston, YSU will play a three-game series at the College of Charleston the next weekend on Feb. 21-23. The Penguins will then travel to play a three-game set at Abilene Christian on Feb. 27-29. Youngstown State will face Houston and Abilene Christian for the first time while the series at College of Charleston will mark the first meeting between the programs since 2011.

The Penguins will remain on the road for a contest at Pittsburgh on March 3 and a four-game series at North Carolina Central on March 6-8. YSU will also be facing North Carolina Central for the first time in program history. After playing their home opener at Eastwood Field against Bowling Green on March 10, the Penguins will open Horizon League play with a three-game series at Northern Kentucky on March 13-15. YSU is scheduled to play 30 conference games in a nine-week span between March 13 and May 16.

The Penguins will return to Ohio for a contest at Toledo on March 17 and a home game against St. Bonaventure the following day. YSU will then hit the road again for a three-game Horizon League series at Milwaukee (March 20-22) and a return trip to Pittsburgh (March 25). The March schedule will conclude with four straight home games at Eastwood Field. Defending Horizon League Tournament champion UIC will come to town for a three-game Horizon League set (March 27-29) before a non-conference matchup with Niagara (March 31).

April will start with a three-game series at defending Horizon League regular-season champion Wright State (April 2-4). The Penguins will then play four of their next five at home beginning with a non-conference contest against Ohio at Eastwood Field on April 7. After making the short trip to Kent State the following day, YSU will return home to host Oakland for a three-game Horizon League series (April 10-12).

The Penguins will continue the April slate with a six-game road stretch beginning at St. Bonaventure on the 14th. YSU will travel to Chicago for a three-game Horizon League set at UIC (April 17-19) before back-to-back non-conference games at Ohio (April 21) and Niagara (April 22). The next four games will be at Eastwood Field beginning with a three-game league series against Northern Kentucky (April 24-26). After hosting Pittsburgh on April 28, the Guins will make the quick trip to Akron the next day to close out April. The Penguins and Zips will meet for the first time since 2015. Akron’s baseball program was cut following the 2015 season and will return in 2020.

Youngstown State will play 11 of its final 15 regular-season games at home include seven of 10 in the month of May. The final month of the season will begin with a three-game Horizon League series against Wright State at Eastwood Field (May 1-3). After a three-game league set at Oakland (May 8-10), the Penguins will enjoy their third and final four-game homestand of the campaign. YSU will host Kent State on May 12 before finishing the regular season with a three-game Horizon League series against Milwaukee on May 14-16.

The Horizon League Tournament is scheduled for May 20-23 at the home of the regular-season champion.

YSN is proud to again be the audio home for all Penguin home games, as well as select road games in 2020.  You can join the YSN team and the Guins at YSNLive.com/YSUBaseball .

EXCLUSIVE COACH’S CORNER: MIKE TOMCZAK

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- Our Coach’s Corners on YSN allow fans to get to know the leaders of student-athletes a little bit better with in-depth, long-format interviews.  YSN’s DJ Yokley was afforded the special opportunity to interview one of his childhood heroes, Mike Tomczak, who now coaches at Youngstown State.

Tomczak is a 14-year veteran of the NFL who spent time with Cleveland, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, and was a part of the Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears.  Lately, as a coach, Tomczak has served as an offensive coordinator with the AFL’s Pittsburgh Power before making his way to Youngstown.

The longtime quarterback has been in many roles throughout his career, from starting to reserve, but has learned along the way at each stop.

We caught up with the former Steeler, Brown, Packer, and Bear before a recent YSU game for this special Coach’s Corner with Mike Tomczak.

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YSN ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH 21 WFMJ NEWS BEGINNING THIS FALL!

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- YSN (Your Sports Network) is proud to announce our partnership with WFMJ TV.  Beginning this fall, WFMJ and YSN will partner with local sports content creating the valley’s most comprehensive sports coverage available.  WFMJ’s general manager Jack Grdic said “I am proud to be partnering with YSN and its founder DJ Yokley.  DJ and his team have successfully created their hyper-local digital sports sites featuring local streaming and reporting on a variety of sports including high school football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and tennis.  And by combining those resources along with WFMJ’s award-winning coverage, we are creating a comprehensive sports portal through all of our station’s digital properties.  I encourage local sports fans to check out our local sports coverage in the next few weeks as our YSN partnership will begin taking shape.  WFMJ’s sports director Dana Balash, DJ, and I have some exciting plans in the near future that will shape local sports coverage in our market. 

YSN founder and CEO DJ Yokley says:  “We’ve always been attracted to the commitment to local that WFMJ has provided to Youngstown and The Valley.  From their support of businesses to the hyper-local coverage on a daily basis.  We’re proud to team up and align with a brand that puts our student-athletes and our communities first.  This partnership is one that strengthens both sides in the effort to showcase the talent and grit that our area teams have to offer.  Jack has been such an advocate for what we have done, and where we can go.  His vision parallels what we set out to do from the start two years ago, and now together with Dana and his team, we have the resources to serve the Valley better than ever before.”

WFMJ’s digital properties include its website WFMJ.com, 21 News mobile site, 21 News App, and its market-exclusive OTT apps including Apple TV, ROKU, and Amazon Fire Stick.

YSN’s digital properties include its portal website YSNLIVE.com and its YSN app available at The APP Store and Google Play.

 

For More Information Please Contact:

WFMJ TELEVISION

Jack Grdic

[email protected]

 

YSN      

DJ Yokley              

[email protected]

PENGUINS RUSH PAST HOWARD

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Courtesy of YSUSports.com

 

Youngstown, Ohio – The Youngstown State football team rushed for 454 yards and scored six touchdowns on the ground in a 54-28 victory over Howard on Saturday afternoon from Stambaugh Stadium.

The Penguins (2-0) finished the game with 640 yards of total offense, the sixth most in program history, while the 454 yards compiled on the ground was the fourth most all-time.

For the game, Braxton Chapman finished with 132 yards and a score on eight carries, London Pearson ran for 126 yards and score on six carries, Christian Turner carried the ball six times for 86 yards with a score and Joe Alessi had 70 yards on eight carries with a pair of touchdowns. Nate Mays finished 8-of-14 with for 182 yards and pair of touchdowns while also picking up 30 yards on the ground.

The defense finished with the contest with five sacks and two turnovers. Ma’lik Richmond led the way with eight tackles and sack while DeMarko Craig finished the game with seven tackles and a pair of sacks.

After forcing Howard to punt on their opening drive, YSU marched down right down the field to take a 6-0 lead with 7:11 left in the first quarter. The Penguins moved the ball 82 yards on just eight plays as Alessi capped off the drive with a six-yard touchdown run.

Howard answered with a touchdown drive of their own to take a 7-6 lead after Caylin Newton connected with Kyle Anthony on a 50-yard touchdown pass with 4:19 remaining in the opening quarter.

After returning a Nate Mays interception to the YSU 29-yard line, the Bison extended their lead to 14-6 after Dedrick Parson ran in the touchdown from just two yards out.

The Penguins opened the second quarter with a scoring drive to bring the score to 14-13 with 13:04 remaining in the half. Mays connected with Jermiah Braswell who made a diving catch in the end zone for a 38-yard score.

With the Bison threatening to extend their lead, Richmond forced a fumble which was recovered by Antoine Cook at the YSU 17-yard line. The Penguins turned the Bison turnover into seven points after Christian Tuner punched in a five-yard touchdown run to finish off a nine-play, 83-yard drive with 7:52 left in the second quarter.

YSU pushed their lead to 27-14 with just 39 seconds remaining in the half as Mays connected with Ryan Emans for a 15-yard touchdown. The Penguins took the ball 63 yards on three plays with the scoring drive highlighted by a 38-yard pick up from Braswell on the first play. Heading into halftime, Justus Reed blocked a 44-yard field goal attempt by Howard’s Nick Ferris.

In the first half, YSU produced 319 yards of offense while Howard had 267 yards. The Penguins were efficient on the ground gaining 175 yards on just 23 carries. Turner led the ground game with 56 yards on five carries and a touchdown.

After forcing the Penguins into a three and out to open the half, the Bison went on a seven-play, 45-yard drive to bring the score to 27-21. Newton found Anthony for the second time of the afternoon on a 22-yard strike with 10:02 remaining in the third quarter.

The Penguins pushed their lead back to 13 points on the following drive as Mays scampered in from two yards out. On the first play of the drive, Turner picked up 26 yards which was followed by a 36-yard completion to from Samuel St. Surin down to the Howard six-yard line.

After a DJ Smalls interception return for a touchdown was negated due to a penalty, YSU extended their lead just one play later when Alessi busted through the line for a 40-yard touchdown. After the PAT was blocked, the Penguins took a 40-21 lead with 7:25 remaining in the third.

Following a defensive stand on fourth down for the Penguins, Chapman took the ball untouched for an 87-yard touchdown to give YSU a 47-21 lead.

Pearson continued the rushing assault for the Penguins with a 75-yard touchdown run to give YSU a 54-21 lead with 11:25 remaining in the game. Kyle Anthony picked up his third touchdown of the afternoon on a 16-yard pass and catch with just 4:20 left in the contest to bring the score to 54-28.

The Penguins return to Stambaugh Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14 when they host Duquense at 2 p.m.

JUST HOW HE DREW IT UP

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The last 2 years have been a blur for Senior Infielder, Drew Dickerson.  For good reason, though, as Dickerson has had a lot of fun playing for the red and white.  As a Junior, Drew played in 53 games-all but one at second base.  All the while hitting .280 and cranking out 54 hits on the season.  So far this year, 18 has matched his extra-base totals at the plate with five doubles and has added a pair of triples as well.  Dickerson is looking to go out with a bang as he’s heating up as the season progresses.

One half of the “Canadian Connection” Dickerson hails from Port Hope, Ontario and continues to represent well in Youngstown, Ohio.  A General Studies Major at YSU, he’s taken a keen interest in one thing: winning.  As of late, Dickerson is passing all the eye tests and has served as the straw that stirs the drink in Coach Bertolini’s lineup.

The Canadian Connection Trevor Wiersma and Drew Dickerson (Photo by David Dermer)

YSN’s Steve Leslie sat down with the Penguin MIddle Infielder to discuss home, his studies, and the excitement of the season thus far in this week’s YSN Penguin Player Profile: JUST HOW HE DREW IT UP.

GLASS HALF FULL

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It’s all about “The Power of Positivity” in the Youngstown State Baseball Clubhouse.  From the top down, they speak their destiny into reality as of late.  Coach Bertolini feeds off the energy, and excitement of his players, and perhaps none more than Freshman Shortstop, Phillip Glasser.

Youngstown State Baseball 2019 Photo Day – Dec. 7, 2018 (Photo by David Dermer)

The Tallmadge product has been tasked to be in the top portion of the lineup to get on base by any means necessary, and his tenacity and baseball IQ is what has kept him there.  This isn’t your ordinary frosh, as Glasser is an experienced middle infielder with accolades to his resume.  He was ranked as the 50th overall prospect in Ohio by Perfect Game, which is impressive, to say the least.  Let’s not forget that he was a 3-year letterman for Tallmadge including captaining the team that won the 2017 Ohio D2 State Title where he batted .400 with 39 runs, and 20 RBI that season.

For the Guins this season, Phillip has made a nice transition as he’s racked up 22 hits including 4 extra baggers while carrying a nearly .400 OBP.  Defensively is where Phillip makes the donuts, as he’s been the pitchers best friend 12 times helping turn double plays with a fielding percentage of .932.

Youngstown State Baseball at Florida State at Dick Howser Stadium on Feb. 23, 2019 (Photo by Ken Lanese)

Add to all of this that Glasser is a high-character player who puts his team before himself?  You’ve got a guy with a strong foundation to help lead for years to come!

YSN General Manager Steve Leslie sat down with YSU’s #2 for this week’s Penguin Player Profile: GLASS HALF FULL

 

YSU BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH DAN BERTOLINI (EP 7)

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Games have been nailbiters lately, and more often than not- The ‘Guins have been steering the ship.  From walk-off winners to sweeping ACC foes: YSU has turned up the heat on the competition without any warning.  Home is still where the bread is being buttered for the Penguins as they welcome Horizon League opponent UIC into town.

We caught up with Coach Berto before the first pitch of the UIC-YSU Series and picked his brain about the confidence at Eastwood Field.

We also key in on a few treats the Guins have in store this weekend, and what the thoughts are in regards to community baseball and travel baseball.

PHOTO CREDIT: YSUSPORTS.com

AND…Coach Bertolini answers the long-debated question: Good Pitching Beats Good Hitting Every Time.

Well….sort of.

All that and more on Episode 7 of YSU Baseball Coach’s Corner with Dan Bertolini.

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GETTING IT DUN

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When Greg Dunham was told that the University of Buffalo would be canceling their baseball program after his freshman year, he didn’t panic.  In fact, he knew exactly where he wanted to be.  Closer to family, closer to friends, and closer to his hometown.  When he chose Youngstown State to transfer to, the area was elated to have one of their own hurling the pearl within driving distance.

The Salem resident and South Range High School graduate wasted no time proving his worth on the hill.  In his first year as a Penguin, Dunham made 12 starts which matched the team high.  Greg also pitched a team-best and career-high 67.1 innings which also ranked eighth in the Horizon League.  Making the most of his innings, Greg fanned 41 batters in 2018 while pitching six innings in eight of his starts.

Youngstown State Baseball 2019 Photo Day – Dec. 7, 2018 (Photo by David Dermer) CREDIT: YSU ATHLETIC DEPT.

In 2019, Greg looks to get things back on track and find his groove.  Dunham has appeared in five games thus far and is averaging 4.5 strikeouts per nine innings.  A Business Management major by choice, Dunham looks to get back to business this year and shine a light on his talent and work ethic down the stretch.  YSN’s General Manager Steve Leslie caught up with Greg before a recent road trip and sits down with him for this week’s Player Profile: GETTING IT DUN.

YSU BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH DAN BERTOLINI (EP 6)

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The tide is about to turn for the YSU Baseball Team, because like P. Diddy said: “I’m coming home.”  (We linked it, you’re welcome.)  It’s time for the Guins to sleep in their own beds, and enjoy the comfort that Eastwood Field has to offer this year!

Home play this year begins for the Penguins this week, and there’s nobody more excited than the YSU Skipper, Dan Bertolini.  Coming off a tough week against Northern Kentucky and West Virginia, the Guins look to bounce back and begin their fight toward the top of the Horizon League standings.

All Photos Courtesy of YSU Athletics

What did Coach learn about the team over the past week?  Why is YSU’s home so special to this team?  What would be the last meal for Coach Berto?

All that and more on this week’s YSU Baseball Coach’s Corner with Dan Bertolini (EP 6)

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NUMERO UNO

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The band “Three Dog Night” created the famous song, One is the Loneliest Number, in 1968.

Fast forward to present day, the number one signifies immortality, excellence, the beginning, a foundation, as well as many other things.  There are pressures to wearing the lone digit, as you are often representing the top of the roster, and the first name that fans and opposition see when looking at the bill.

Youngstown State Baseball at Pittsburgh at Charles L. Cost Field on March 13, 2019 (Photo by Rob Hayes)

For Youngstown State’s Lucas Nasonti- there’s an obligation and constant reminder of where he sets the expectations for himself.  He’s the Sherriff of the Penguin outfield as the Centerfielder.  He’s often the table-setter among the top of the lineup, and he proudly dons the number one on his back each time he takes the field.

Youngstown State Baseball 2019 Photo Day – Dec. 7, 2018 (Photo by David Dermer)

The former high school baseball State Champion from Champion, Ohio sat down with YSN General Manager for this week’s YSU Baseball Player Profile to discuss the season so far, and the expectations heading into Horizon League Play.  This week’s Player Profile is NUMERO UNO.