YSU Quarterback Partners with Rich Center for Autism

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University quarterback Mitch Davidson has officially entered a partnership with The Friends of the Rich Center for Autism just as the 2023 college football season gets underway.

Through efforts made by donors to The Friends of the Rich Center for Autism, a 501(c)(3) that aims to raise funds, promote and support the center, the collaboration with Davidson is able to take place.

“The Friends of the Rich Center board is beyond excited about having Mitch join our team. As a captain of the football team and a leader on campus, we know Mitch will make an impact not only in promoting our school, but also with our students directly, as he has already proven in his visits to the Rich Center,” says Andy Clutter, president of The Friends.

With this new partnership, Davidson becomes the first student-athlete ambassador of the Rich Center.

“The campus community is vital to us and the support shown to us from YSU Athletics through our extended partnership has made a tremendous impact to our center. Due to the generosity of donors to our Friends board, we are excited to launch the student-athlete ambassador program and Mitch is the perfect person for this,” notes Mike Latessa, interim executive director of The Rich Center for Autism and former student-athlete at Youngstown State University.

Davidson says he’s looking forward to working with the center to help create awareness of the importance of treatment, education and research for those affected by autism.

“It’s a privilege becoming a student-athlete ambassador for such an important cause. I hope that my efforts help increase awareness and provide support to those who need it. I believe in this and I can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us,” he says.

Davidson has already visited The Rich Center, meeting with students and staff, and will be wearing custom designed cleats featuring his number 14, “Rich Center For Autism” and the words “Treatment, Education and Research” painted on the sides during his pregame warm-up today before taking the field against Robert Morris University.

The Rich Center for Autism was established in 1995 through the collaborative efforts of the Kosar, Rich (Ricchiuti), and Rubino families who have a shared interest in autism. The Rich Center for Autism is a component of the Youngstown State University Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, & Education.

Pictured at top: YSU quarterback Mitch Davidson shows off his custom cleats with Rich Center high school student Michael Fuller.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.