A Day of Friendly Competition
The Youngstown State Football Alumni/Ned Mervos Golf outing drew nearly 150 golfers to the manicured fairways of the Youngstown Country Club on a bright Friday afternoon, turning the course into a sea of green and gold as former players gathered to celebrate their shared legacy.
The competition was fierce yet good‑natured, with teams vying for top honors; the winning foursome of Sam Grooms, Sam Grooms, Jr., Ken Parise and Rob Blanchard edged out the runners‑up — Dan Isaac, Matt Rollins, Fletcher Christie and Chris Sammarone — while a third‑place trio of John Nevotne, Tom Meola, Tom Orosz and Bill McDermott rounded out the podium.
Acknowledgments and Community Spirit
Head Coach Doug Phillips took the microphone to thank the participants, then introduced a trio of current standouts — quarterback Beau Brungard, linebacker Mike Wells and tight end Alex McDonald — who added a fresh burst of energy to the gathering.
Matt Hogg, president of the Football Alumni Group, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, volunteers and sponsors, noting that the event’s success was a testament to the enduring spirit of the program and the generosity of its supporters.
As the sun dipped behind the clubhouse, the alumni exchanged stories, swapped memorabilia and plotted future gatherings, reinforcing a community that extends far beyond the gridiron and into the very heart of Youngstown.