Published: Friday, December 8, 2006
Mooney honors Div. IV champs with pep rally
National, state and local officials all took part honoring the Cardinals.
YOUNGSTOWN — With a student body of 610 on hand, along with parents, alumni, friends and fans, the Cardinal Mooney High School gymnasium had an celebratory atmosphere and all the trappings of a champion Thursday afternoon.
The occasion was a football state championship assembly for the Cardinals, who won Ohio's Division IV title in Massillon on Dec. 1.
Besides a large banner proclaiming the accomplishment, there was a smaller sign draped on the gym wall reading: "6 in '06."
It referred to the latest title — after a 26-12 win over Plain City Jonathan Alder — as being the school's sixth.
Mooney's 14-0 season was the school's second unbeaten, preceded only by the 1980 team's 12-0 record.
The other state championships were attained in 1973, 1982, 1987 and 2004.
Seated on the floor were 84 players — varsity and junior varsity, wearing their game jerseys.
The team entered the gym to the song "We Are The Champions."
Featured dignitaries
The program featured the band and cheerleaders, national, city and county officials and others bearing gifts in honor of the team's success.
Playing the merrymaker's role was student council president Joe St. George, who also introduced master of ceremonies, Jim Campbell of WKBN Radio.
Wally Dunne, Director of Athletics for the Diocese of Youngstown, spoke of the precision of coach P.J. Fecko's system.
"I don't believe any group has been led better," he said.
Dunne also stressed the importance of the contribution of others on the field and sidelines, including the band and cheerleaders.
Mayor Williams a big hit
Mayor Jay Williams got a rousing welcome before telling the team that "You put Youngstown on the map, once again, for all the right reasons."
He added, "Mooney not only produces great athletes, but it produces great people."
Ernie Formichelli, chairman of the social studies department, but also a musician, sang "Cardinal Christmas" to the tune of "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," and also recited a parody of "The Night Before Christmas."
Both creative renditions were parent contributions.
A certificate of recognition from U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan's office was offered by Pearlette Wigley.
"You are truly hometown heroes," said Wigley, Community Development Coordinator.
Commissioners Anthony Traficanti, John McNally and David Ludt congregated on podium for remarks.
"Mahoning County is so proud," Traficanti said. "Give yourselves a hand."
Traficanti recognized the Mooney school family, right down to the janitors.
"Congratulations, you are a well-oiled machine," he said.
McNally looked toward the player section and said that his wife, Virginia, used to baby-sit Jack Zizzo, a senior defensive standout.
"I knew him 15 years ago when he was 2 or 3 years old," she said. "I didn't realize he was going to be so big now."
No far from where he lives, McNally said he's watched the Scanlon boys, Jim and Tom, play football and basketball in their yard with other Mooney students.
Ludt acknowledged the 84 players, saying, "You brought recognition to the Mahoning Valley, a great place to live."
Championship awards
Fecko received a plaque from the Ohio Associated Press and Joe Spano of Spano Insurance appeared on behalf of MVP Award radio sponsor Granger Insurance.
Tom Presby of the Regional Chamber of Commerce was a special guest. Presby said he was on Mooney's first football team in 1956 when only freshmen and sophomores played against the varsity squads of other schools.
Former football coach Don Bucci made remarks, including one about Fecko.
Bucci recalled the 1982 championship game during a blizzard at the Akron Rubber Bowl when Mooney beat Toledo St. Francis, 12-0.
Bucci said that Fecko, age 8 at the time, was at the game with his oldest sister, Pam, who was a senior cheerleader.
P.J. was in the stands.
"He seemed to think that it looked like so much fun," Bucci joked, "that I'm going to do it one of these years."
Offensive tackle Mike Madsen Jr., whose mother, Debbie, and father, Mike, were among the spectators, was part of the team's senior leadership circle that presented the state championship trophy to Mooney's principal, Sister Jane Kudlacz.
Joining Madsen were Zizzo, Ishmaai'ly Kitchen, Mike McGlone, Jason Hehr and Dom Scarnecchia.
"It was a masterful season," Fecko said. "You were SVC champs, AP champs and Division IV champs. You have nothing left to accomplish."
Fecko also thanking Kudlacz and the staffs, both coaching and faculty and the student body.
"Week-in and week-out, they're behind us at the rallies and games," he said.
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