Youngstown Hardhats

The Youngstown Hardhats were a semi-professional football team who played in the 1970s. The team was based in Youngstown, Ohio, and competed in the Midwest Football League from 1972 to 1974 and 1976, and Mid-Atlantic Football League in 1977.

Youngstown Hardhats
Established1972
Folded1977
Based inYoungstown, Ohio
Home stadiumStruthers High School
LeagueMidwest Football League (1972–1974, 1976)
Mid-Atlantic Football League (1977)

History

Midwest Football League

In January 1972, owner Ralph Erskine announced George Rodak as the head coach for the Hardhats.[1] They played their home games at Struthers High School in 1972.[2] The team held open tryouts in June 1972, with former Duke linebacker Dick Biddle in attendance.[3] They played against the Washington Bears in an exhibition game on July 1, 1972,[4] and against the Madison Mustangs of the Central States Football League on July 22.[5] The Cleveland Browns of the National Football League sent six contracted players to the Hardhats for their August 5 game against the Lansing All Stars.[6] After posting an 8–2 regular season record in 1972, the Hardhats were defeated in the league championship game by the Indiana Caps.[7] They went 8–2 again in 1973[8] under head coach Bill Shunkwiler.[9] Al Boggia was named head coach of the Hardhats in May 1974.[10] The team went 5–4 in 1974, finishing second in the Lakes Division.[11]

The Hardhats posted a 38–6 record over three seasons. Despite this record, the Hardhats' owners announced in March 1975 that they would not field a team for the upcoming season, because of declining attendance and reports that a team from the World Football League would locate in Akron, Ohio.[12] The Hardhats returned for the 1976 season,[13] and posted another 8–2 record.[8]

Mid-Atlantic Football League

Youngstown joined the Mid-Atlantic Football League in 1977, and, after, posting a 9–2 record in the regular season, lost in the championship game.[14]

Season-by-season
YearLeagueWLTFinishCoach
1972Midwest Football League8202ndGeorge Rodak
19738202ndBill Shunkwiler
19745402nd (Lakes)Al Boggia
No team in 1975
1976Midwest Football League8202nd (Lakes)
1977Mid-Atlantic Football League9201st (Southern)

Legacy

The Hardhats' organization in the early 1970s signified a departure from the prevailing norm in Youngstown's sports community, where teams were generally sponsored by public and private educational institutions, including Youngstown State University. The Youngstown Hardhats last season was 1981. Days before the 1982 season opener the players were told they would not be able to compete due to lack of funds. Some years later the Mahoning Valley Cobras semi-pro football team came along and was around until 1988–89.[15] The success of the team helped pave the way for increased business investment in organized sports in the Youngstown area.[15] Youngstown was home to the Mahoning Valley Thunder, an indoor football team that competed in the af2 from 2007–2009.[16]

References
  1. "Rodak Named To Coach Youngstown's Pro Team". The Evening Review. January 3, 1972. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. Zitrin, Rich (January 9, 1972). "He's Bucking 'NFL Monopoly'". The Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Biddle Looks Good In Hardhat Drills". The Weirton Daily Times. June 3, 1972. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Grid exhibition". The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. June 30, 1972. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. Lindstrom, Don (July 6, 1972). "Mustangs Open Drills With 25 Vets Reporting". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. Senyczko, Ed (August 4, 1972). "NFL Browns Send Players To Bolster Youngstown". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Caps Win MFL Title". The Indianapolis Star. October 15, 1972. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. Gill, Bob; Maher, Tod; Brainerd, Steve (2010). Outsiders II: Minor League and Independent Football 1951–1985. St. Johann Press. pp. 113–116. ISBN 9781878282651.
  9. Zitrin, Richard (March 23, 1973). "Perfectionist Image Nothing New For Indiana Cage Coach". The Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. Mollica, Pete (May 14, 1974). "Al Boggia Hardhats new coach". New Castle News. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. "Midwest Football League (Final Standings)". Lansing State Journal. September 18, 1974. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. "A Century of Sports: The Mahoning and Shenango Valleys". The Vindicator. November 14, 1999. p. 4.
  13. "Hardhats To Face Michigan Indians". The Salem News. July 30, 1976. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. "Jets stun Hardhats, 29–21". Press and Sun-Bulletin. October 23, 1977. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. Bassetti, John; Kovach, John (March 31, 2007). "Area breeds toughness, tradition; From players, coaches, officials, the area has been well represented in the NFL". The Vindicator. p. 1. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  16. Bassetti, John (March 31, 2007). "Mike Schneider: Backup ready; the former Sharon and Youngstown State QB has quickly adapted to the indoor game". The Vindicator. p. C-1. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
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