By Edward P. Noga

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Isn’t it interesting how humanity interacts in big and small ways?

 For instance, during the recent government shutdown, there were news stories every day about companies and organizations initiating food drives for those who bore the brunt of the government’s sad pause in taking care of those who need some food assistance. There were stories about folks cooking meals in their homes and sharing them with their neighbors. Locally, the United Way stepped up to make sure no one fell through the cracks.

 Added to the above, we remember the Realty Tower explosion in downtown Youngstown and, more recently, the senior citizen apartment explosion on Meridian Road in Austintown. These tragedies sparked an immediate response from Red Cross, United Way and leaders and volunteers who worked to mitigate the loss of life, property and housing.

 The above reminds us that we can leave behind our differences and work together as neighbors. In times of great need, some things – like where we live, the color of our skin, how much education we have, whether we are employed or not and so many more “classifications” that separate us – seem to melt away.

 In the recent Youngstown city mayoral election, a lot was made of how residents want to be defined as moving forward in the national picture. A common purpose, driven by listening and inviting engagement, seemed to strike a chord in those who voted. Again, it’s another reminder that we are almost always “better together.”

 So what does No. 55 have to do with all of the above?

 Well, as happy as the community was to see our Youngstown State University Penguins get into the football playoffs, we were dramatically stunned by our first-round defeat at the hands of Yale University. Periodically, especially in the second half, when the scoreboard display showed a few short glimpses of the Yale coach, there was a determined look on his face that gave the impression that he made some adjustments at halftime that he knew would guide his team to an almost unbelievable comeback win.

 I was at the game with friends, and since we planned to head downtown for something to eat after the game (certainly thinking that a W would be in our column), we sadly took our loss with us as we entered the restaurant.

 Shortly after our arrival, folks started filing in wearing the “Y” logo, but not our red Penguin “Y.” No, it was the blue “Y” of Yale. Of course, they were thrilled to celebrate but also understandably a bit self-conscious as they walked by Penguin tables. They glanced away as they walked by.

 A simple comment – “Welcome to Youngstown. Thanks for coming and, by the way, nice win!” – not only caused a happy victor to stop but led to a conversation that allowed the person to share the joy of victory, including a compliment to our team and quarterback. The conversation turned more serious as we listened to the Yale fan talk about scouting our team and reading about our season. “Believe me,” he said, “we came here pretty much convinced we wouldn’t win!” Yes, that comment did sting our table, but it wasn’t made as a provocation.

 Other Yale revelers approached our table and shared their great experience at our downtown hotel. They commented on the YSU band performance at halftime, were impressed with the decorated light poles along Federal Street and said folks from the Valley were very welcoming to them and their entourage. 

 Then No. 55 came up. His parents were part of the group we talked to, and they shared that their son was a second-stringer. The player ahead of him broke his ankle during the second half, and No. 55 got the call. His folks were beaming with pride. They were sad for the injured player but so happy that their son played in Yale’s first appearance in the playoffs.

As we left after our meal, we had a different feeling as we walked down the street and encountered more blue “Y” logos. Despite our pain, it was a good, human feeling that went beyond the final score.