Banner ../wallpaper.htm 'Firing The Cannon', A Part of Stambaugh Stadium Tradition
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.