YSU Wide Receiver Teams Up with Rich Center for Autism

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Max Tomczak, a wide receiver on the Youngstown State University football team, partnered with The Friends of The Rich Center for Autism for the Penguins’ 2024 season.

His willingness to learn about autism and interact with students, families and staff of The Rich Center has had an impact by generating awareness throughout campus and the community.

“Anytime we have someone with a genuine interest in learning about The Rich Center and what autism is helps us achieve our mission,” said Jake Ellis, community engagement coordinator. “It’s especially helpful when someone like Max comes along and is willing to use his visibility to help put The Rich Center in the limelight.”

Tomczak has been having a breakout year, tallying more than 800 yards and 60 receptions through 11 games. However, this fall he decided to make some contributions off the field as well.

“I came to The Rich Center and learned so much about the kids and what autism is,” Tomczak said. “I got to know them each personally as individuals. It was nice to be able to come to The Rich Center and have the kids want to play with me and spend time with me. It was like for once I wasn’t just a football player.”

Tomczak wore a custom designed pair of cleats during the Penguins final home game against Northern Iowa on Nov. 16. The shoes were decorated with puzzle pieces, the No. 4 (Tomczak’s number) and The Rich Center for Autism’s name.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with how Max has established himself as part of The Rich Center family,” Ellis said. “He’s been a nearly weekly visitor to the Center and has spent time having lunch with our students, playing with them on the playground, joining them in their classrooms and has been a tremendous advocate for creating awareness and understanding of autism.”

It is The Rich Center’s hope that with the help of student-athlete ambassadors like Tomczak, the Center can continue to provide services to those in the Youngstown region and be a resource for all of Ohio.

The collaboration is possible through the efforts from donors to The Friends of The Rich Center for Autism, a 501(c)(3) that strives to raise funds, promote and support the center.

Pictured at top: Max Tomczak, center, and The Rich Center for Autism students. (YSU)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.