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A Tradition That Dates Back to 1991
Since the 1991 football season, the Youngstown State
University ROTC has been a mainstay at Penguin football games. The
cannon and ROTC units are located in the Southeast corner of Stambaugh
Stadium during home games. The unit also provides the color guard for
home games and does push ups equal to the amount of Penguin points after
each score.
In 2004, the ROTC was able to purchase a new cannon because
of a gift from the late William Fitzsimons.
Fitzsimons, a 1941 graduate of Youngstown College, passed
away on Feb. 13, 2004, and bequeathed funds to university, which have
been used to purchase a new ceremonial cannon for the YSU ROTC. A Rayen
High School graduate, Fitzsimons served for the U.S. Army in World War
II as a Chief Warrant Officer in the 3rd Army, 6th Armored Division,
European Theater.
The Army ROTC program has been preparing young men and women
for military careers as officers for more than 50 years. One of YSU's
most active student constituencies, the cadets established the tradition
of "Firing the Cannon" at Penguin home football games.
Following the 2003 season, a new cannon was needed to
continue the tradition and Fitzsimons' generosity has allowed for that
to happen. In his honor, a plaque featuring his name has been affixed to
the cannon. |
