BEAVER TOWNSHIP — The Curbstone Coaches’ weekly Monday meetings return Sept. 14 with Ron Strollo, Youngstown State University’s executive director of intercollegiate athletics, set to kickoff its 63rd season at Avion Banquet Center beginning at noon.

“The Curbstone Coaches are excited to continue as the premier sports organization in the Mahoning Valley,” said Frank Nolasco, current president. “Since 1958, our group has historically presented to the community a venue for both area and national sports speakers.

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we are looking forward to beginning our weekly luncheon speaker series with social distancing paramount upon our return. We feel that this year’s programming slate is a statement that the Curbstone Coaches will continue to unite our community in the spirit of sports entertainment. An excellent cross-section of guest speakers already is set and everyone is anxious to hear their many stories and memories.”

Strollo, who enters his 20th year as Penguins’ athletic director and his 25th overall with the university, played for former head coach Jim Tressel from 1988-91 and was named captain of its 1991 Division I-AA national championship team.

Under his leadership, his alma mater has won 45 Horizon League championships with 30 of those titles coming since the 2013-14 academic year.

Over the past six years, the Penguins have posted six straight top-five McCafferty Trophy finishes (the Horizon League’s all-sports award).

“We’re both excited but cautious as we resume our weekly luncheons,” said Bob Camardo, organization programming chair. “We’ll be sure to follow CDC guidelines yet still have a good time with our speakers and attendees while talking about sports.”

Strollo will be followed by newly hired Penguins’ football coach, Doug Phillips, who will address the group on Sept. 21 while area sportscaster Dana Balash, sports director at WFMJ-TV, Channel 21 completes the first month back when he shares his stories with the group on Sept. 28.

“Our recent schedule has been like a ‘Who’s Who’ of important local sports figures,” Camardo said. “In addition to Ron Strollo and Dana Balash, past speakers include Bob Hannon, YSU football radio play-by-play announcer; Penguins’ men’s basketball head coach Jerrod Calhoun and women’s head coach John Barnes; ScoutingOhio.com’s Mark Porter; Covelli Centre executive director Eric Ryan; Cleveland Indians radio broadcaster Jim Rosenhaus; middleweight boxing champion of the world, Kelly Pavlik; Joe DeRosa, a Lowellville native who is one of the most respected college and NBA referees in the nation; and of course, Tressel, the current YSU president.

“We also try to mix in some lesser known but most interesting speakers nonetheless, like memorabilia collectors and the YSU Bass Club fishing team. Other area college and high school head coaches have also addressed our crowds, which continually increased prior to the pandemic.

“We’re hoping that as many people as possible will come back and promise that it will be an entertaining year. Avion does a great job with weekly lunches and hosting while coach Phillips is very excited to appear and meet, albeit from 6-foot distancing, as many people as possible. He’s a great guy and we are really looking forward to hearing from him.”

Meetings are open to the public and further information on upcoming weekly speakers can be obtained by calling 330-550-1131, or by visiting the organization’s website at www.curbstonecoaches.org.