DEAR EDITOR:

Regarding the recent article about new turf at the Rayen Stadium, it’s really great to make that improvement to such a great place with so many memories.

My fondest memory was the spring game for Youngstown State University, when Rey Dempsey became coach after the Dike Beede era. I was trying out for the team, and my father was in the stands. It was my only chance to make the team. I prayed very hard before the game, and God rewarded me by giving me the courage to carry out my dream and make my father proud. I think of that precious time onthe Rayen field every time I drive by it or read that a team is playing there.

I lost my father to cancer not long after that time of my life, and I always will hold a special place in my heart for Rayen Stadium.

I did make the team after that game and went to church the next day with my father and thanked God. My name was even in The Vindicator, and I still have the article. What a special place in Youngstown, with now some new turf and some new memories.

On a side note, when I played for the Hubbard Eagles the year before I tried out for the Penguins, we were scrimmaging the Rayen Tigers, and I accidentally scored a touchdown on a 6-yard fumble recovery. To this day my friends from that Hubbard team joke about that touchdown. Another great memory for me at Rayen field. There’s something about that place; I always enjoyed playing there.

TONY BALL

Hubbard