Joe Barwinski was the type of linebacker
that any fan would remember. The memory was fond for his teammates
but nightmarish for opponents. Joe left an impression either way.
At Mooney, he is remembered as the defensive stopper on some outstanding
teams. He earned All Steel Valley, All-Northeastern Ohio honors
along with honorable mention All-Ohio. He was selected to play
in the Ohio/Pennsylvania Big 33 Game.
Joe earned a football scholarship to Southern Illinois, where
he played for former YSU mentor, Rey Dempsey. He was a four-year
starter at middle linebacker. Twice he was selected All-Missouri
Valley Conference and twice was selected to the league’s
All Academic team. He was an honorable mention awardee on the
A.P.’s Division I All-American team.
Joe has been married for 19 years to his wife Beverly, who was
also a scholarship athlete at SIU. They have one son. Joe is the
Director of Construction for Village Builders and resides in Kingwood,
Texas.
