Youngstown Hardhats
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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 Middle Atlantic Football League.[1]
Organized in 1972, the Hardhats posted a 38-6 record over three seasons. Despite this strong 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.[1]
[edit] 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.[2] The success of the team helped pave the way for increased business investment in organized sports in the Youngstown area.[2] Youngstown is currently home to the Mahoning Valley Thunder, an indoor football team that competes in the af2.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "A Century of Sports: The Mahoning and Shenango Valleys", The Vindicator, November 14, 1999, p. 4.
- ^ a b Bassetti, John; Kovach, John. "Area breeds toughness, tradition; From players, coaches, officials, the area has been well-represented in the NFL", The Vindicator, March 31, 2007, p. 1.
- ^ Bassetti, John. "Mike Schneider: Backup ready; the former Sharon and Youngstown State QB has quickly adapted to the indoor game.", The Vindicator, March 31, 2007, p. C-1.
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