It’s more than just football

By Dylan Lux and Raeghan Hilton / Jambar contributors

When asked about a Youngstown State University game day, the answer usually revolves around football. While football is the main attraction at home games, many factors play a role in a game experience.

As all athletes train and train throughout the season, other athletes, students and staff work together to create an atmosphere for sporting events.

Coaches help keep athletes healthy, while coordinators and coaches help improve athletes’ skills and improve their game.

Many students plan to go to a soccer game to help fill the stands. A loud stadium is a way for a team to gain an advantage over the opposing team and support them throughout the game.

Blake Springer, a criminal justice and accounting double major, often visits the student section on game days.

“As soon as you leave [to the student section]everyone is ready. Everyone screams and screams. Everyone is having a good time. The moment something happens, it’s just a riot. “Everyone is caught up in the game,” Springer said.

Student-athletes also appear at football games – in more ways than one.

Maddie Angelo, a senior defender on the women’s soccer team, said it’s about supporting all YSU sports teams.

“When the women’s soccer team supports the soccer team, especially on Homecoming weekend, it just means that they will do the same for us when we need them,” Angelo said.

A unique experience occurred for the football team on October 5th when YSU defeated Wright State before the football game.

“We started the day strongly with a 1-0 win. Now we will cheer for football and hope they do the same,” Angelo said.

Student-athletes also work with staff to assist with raffles on game days. They will be assigned community service hours to take at specific times during the season.

Haley Thierry, senior guard on the women’s basketball team, said the team enjoys volunteering.

“We enjoy volunteering and giving back to our community in any way, shape or form,” Theory said. “We also enjoy having tailgates on Saturdays where we can bring family and friends over to meet up before the football game.”

Game day brings the Youngstown community together. There are many elements at YSU that help ensure the experience is good for everyone – not just the athletes.