Youngstown State University celebrated the 2010 Homecoming this past Saturday.  The day was accented by a full slate of festivities culminating with the crowning of a new king and queen.  The day got underway early as tailgaters started partying at 8 a.m., and the lot was at least half full most of the morning.  At 9, the YSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2010 was honored at a Kilcawley Center breakfast ceremony. 

Among those honored from this year’s class were Adrian Brown and Tim Johnson (football), Chris Durkin (baseball), Dan Haude (tennis), Leslie Majewski (basketball), Heather Luben (volleyball),  Kofi Owusu-Ansah (track and field), and Patsy Strollo (contributor).  The group was also recognized at halftime of the football game.

The annual Homecoming Parade started at 11 a.m. and worked Northbound on Fifth Avenue, which was shut down to allow the parade to proceed at an enjoyable pace.    The football game between Youngsyown State and Northern Iowa was exciting and featured numerous lead changes in the fourth quarter.  Unfortunately, the Penguins came out on the short end of the stick falling 34-30 to the #19-ranked Panthers.

The 2010 Homecoming queen is Ashley Jones (2nd from right).  The other female attendants on this years court were Breanne Romeo, Sasha Hill, Jill Jonda, and Katie Hart.  Richard Okello was crowned king and the other candidates were Lelan Jones, Dylan Thomas, Spenser Sulzener, and Kevin Day.  Congratulations to all who were involved in the halftime gala.

One of the other unique Homecoming features was the expansion of the band with alumni.  The alumni band members seemed to really enjoy themselves and sounded great.  Tuba veteran Bob Antonucci, now current Band Director of Lowellville High School, talked about coming back.  “It’s been a lot of fun.  I saw some friends that I had not seen in awhile and everyone is really enjoying this.”