“CURBSTONE COACHES”

          In 1958, members of the sports media of the Mahoning Valley recognized a need to form a group which would meet weekly and allow area sports fans the opportunity to participate in programs concerning current topics in athletics. Thus, they founded the “Curbstone Coaches.”

          Almost every Monday from September through May, members convene for a luncheon meeting from noon to 1:00 p.m., currently at the Lockwood House. Guest speakers include many celebrities whose talks and anecdotes provide a good deal of insight into the world of sports, and special programs honor university teams and area high school all-star athletes.

          The stated purpose of the organization is “to preserve and perpetuate the memory of athletes who brought favorable reflection and distinction to our community.” To pay tribute to those athletes, the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame was established, and honorees who meet the noted criteria are inducted to assume their place in local sports history. The inductions have taken place annually (with several exceptions) during our Hall of Fame Banquet, and to date nearly 400 athletes have been so honored. We honor yearly our area’s most deserving athletes, coaches, administrators and contributors in the many fields of sport.

          Proceeds from this banquet are earmarked for a variety of purposes, most of which are sports oriented. Curbstone Coaches donates to several local charitable organizations and other sports institutions.

In 2009 the Curbstone Coaches contributed to the following organizations

Astro Shapes for Bob Cene Baseball

Buckeye Lodge No. 73 - Naomi Temple

Difference Makers - Father O'Neal

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Habitat for Humanity

K.O. Drug Boxing

OCCHA

Mutiple Sclerosis

Neil Kennedy Clinic

Rescue Mission

Second Harvest Food Bank

St. Vincent DePaul

Greater Youngstown Bowling Association

Youngstown - Salem USBC Women's Bolwing

YMCA

YSU Athletic Endowment Fund