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 Middle Atlantic Football League.cite news
title = A Century of Sports: The Mahoning and Shenango Valleys
work = The Vindicator
page = 4
date = November 14, 1999]

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.cite news
title = A Century of Sports: The Mahoning and Shenango Valleys
work = The Vindicator
page = 4
date = November 14, 1999]

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.cite news
first = John
last = Bassetti
coauthors = Kovach, John
title = Area breeds toughness, tradition; From players, coaches, officials, the area has been well-represented in the NFL
work = The Vindicator
page = 1
date = March 31, 2007] The success of the team helped pave the way for increased business investment in organized sports in the Youngstown area.cite news
first = John
last = Bassetti
coauthors = Kovach, John
title = Area breeds toughness, tradition; From players, coaches, officials, the area has been well-represented in the NFL.
work = The Vindicator
page = 1
date = March 31, 2007] Youngstown is currently home to the Mahoning Valley Thunder, an indoor football team that competes in the af2.cite news
first = John
last = Bassetti
title = Mike Schneider: Backup ready; the former Sharon and Youngstown State QB has quickly adapted to the indoor game.
work = The Vindicator
page = C-1
date = March 31, 2007]

References