Dayton Flyer alumnus Edwin Young describes energetic growth as college athlete

Copyright: Edwin Young III

“In my office I have my Dayton jersey framed out. I make no bones about it – I’m a UD Flyer till the day I die.” – Edwin Young

Beginning his University of Dayton career in 1996, No. 42 Edwin Young joined the Flyer basketball ranks as a new point guard. He said his years as a Flyer went fast, but said the excitement is yet to subside. To this day, Young said he has flashbacks of his first game at UD Arena with fans in the stands. “I remember running under the tunnel while the band was playing and the cheerleaders were cheering us on,” he said. “It feels like just yesterday.”

With many memories in mind, Young said one that stands out is when he played in the Blue & White game his freshman year, (now titled the Red & Blue game). “The Blue & White game was the first game we played in front of the public and it was great,” he said. Young said wearing a UD-represented jersey helped him realize his Flyer basketball career was real.

Copyright: University of Dayton (1997-1998 Program)

Another memory Young described as a meaningful experience was a lesson he said he learned early in his college basketball career, when the team played at Miami University. December 4, 1996, UD matched up at an away-game against Miami. The Flyers ended up losing 72-92. “I was a starter in the game and Mark [Ashman] tipped the ball off to me, giving me possession,” Young said. “I got the ball and turned it over. So, I inbounded the ball and it got stolen from me again. Third time – same thing.” Young said he remembers thinking, “Wow, this is so different than playing at home.” He said he appreciated the Flyer fans, but said it was that game against Miami that showed him their lasting impact.

His sophomore year gave him the opportunity to continue growing as a college athlete – particularly Dec. 18, 1997, when UD played NE Louisiana at UD Arena. According to the Dayton Flyers media guide, Young tied a UD record for “Most Free Throws Made” in a single game. Young made 18 free throws, tying Negele Knight, who set the record Feb. 22, 1990, against Butler.

1998-1999 Men's Basketball Poster - Far Left: Edwin Young (Copyright: University of Dayton)

Young said being a UD Flyer meant more than playing basketball. He said being a college athlete was important to him because he had the opportunity to represent his school with dignity, on and off the court. “We were athletes and friends, and we formed a brotherhood,” he said. “We had those days when we walked to Miriam Hall, Founders Hall or to the basketball office to get ready for films, and just knowing in a few days that thousands of fans would be cheering us on – including our peers – meant so much to us.” Young said representing UD as a college athlete meant playing with control and respect. He said the respect he showed on the court was to his teammates and his opponents.

One of UD’s past fan-rivalry games was called the Gem City Jam, where UD squared off against the Wright State Raiders. However, Young said for him, his teammates and Wright State’s team, the rivalry was exciting because both teams knew each other and had developed friendships. “The games were fun because a lot of the players on Wright State’s team were guys we played [basketball] with in the summer,” he said. “It was just a good event and I wish it would have continued.” (December 13, 1997, the traditional Gem City Jam ended, removing Wright State from UD’s game schedule. The Flyers won 94-63 at UD Arena).

Gem City Jam ticket (Owned by: Dave Thomas)

Today, Young said he continues his UD basketball journey as a fan. He said due to having a busy schedule from being a college basketball referee, he doesn’t attend as many home games as he would like. However, when he does attend the games, Young said, “I still get goose bumps. When they ring the bell at UD Arena to let the fans know the players are about to rush the court, I still get chills because I know firsthand how much hard work went into that one game. As a player, when we heard that bell, we called it ‘War Time.’”

At the games he’s attended as an alumnus, Young said he has noticed Flyer fans looking at him, but said he can tell they are shy from not approaching him. When seeing fans looking at him that appear to remember him, Young said he approaches them and introduces himself. He said he appreciates the memories fans share with him and respects their love for the team. Describing what it is like meeting fans at UD Arena, Young said, “You know the atmosphere will be amazing with great basketball and knowledgeable fans who understand the facets of the game.”

"We Are UD"

Spring 2000, Young graduated from UD with a degree in Communication, studying public relations. Today, he is a State Farm Insurance business owner, who said he credits his academics and time spent as a college athlete for preparing him for his future. “The life lessons that have changed me today have been a direct result from what I experienced at UD,” he said. “Personalities, time management, adversity, having new men join our team every year and having five players work as one to achieve a goal has changed me for life.”

Through reflection of his personal memories, Young said, “The experiences you go through those four years at UD as a player are amazing. It’s that ride worth taking, no matter how bumpy it is, how good it is and how much better it can be.”

Photo copyright: University of Dayton
Photo copyright: Edwin Young III
Source: Dayton Flyers Media Guide