Ryan Shazier, Mike Tomczak, Simon Arias, and Maurice Clarett—four football players with inspiring stories of perseverance and courage both on and off the field—have been added to the panel for the Baron Club Dinner, to be held at Franciscan University on Thursday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m.

Jim Tressel, former head coach of The Ohio State University Football Team and now the president of Youngstown State University, will lead a panel discussion with these athletes:

Ryan Shazier—An All-Pro linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Shazier was playing the game he loved when a life-threatening injury forced him into retirement. He tells how he overcame this nearly insurmountable challenge and many others in his book, Walking Miracle: How Faith, Positive Thinking, and Passion for Football Brought Me Back From Paralysis…and Helped Me Find Purpose.

Mike Tomczak—From 1985 through 1999, Mike Tomczak played quarterback for the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Among his career highlights, he won his first 10 starts at quarterback for the Bears, which set an NFL record until broken by former Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Simon Arias—Growing up in a tough Youngstown neighborhood, Simon Arias found his path as a leader on the football field, through the support of his family and good role models. Arias played at Youngstown-Ursuline High School, leading his team to a state championship his senior year. He went on to become a successful Pittsburgh area entrepreneur, philanthropist, and youth mentor.

Maurice Clarett—During his 2002 freshman year, Maurice Clarett helped lead The Ohio State Buckeye football team to a national championship. In the years following, he spiraled downward but rebounded and made a widely heralded life turnaround and founded a behavioral health agency in Youngstown.

At the dinner, the second annual Kuzma Community Award will be presented to Beth (1938-2020) and Lou Holtz. The legendary college football coach and Ohio Valley native will provide videotaped remarks.

Bob Kramer, the head football coach at Madonna High School from 1998-2010, and Jerry France, a Steubenville Catholic Central High School graduate who went on to become the head baseball coach at Ohio University for 16 years, will each receive the Baron Club Award.

This year’s Baron Dinner emcee is WTOV9 news anchor Jaime Baker, who was a sports reporter for eight years before joining WTOV in 2018.

Dinner reservations are $75 each, or $100, which include dinner and Baron Club membership. Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $5,000 and include the opportunity for an autographed football and a photo with the speakers. Register at Franciscan.edu/BaronClub or email [email protected].