CALDWELL, Idaho - The College of Idaho football program is proud to announce the establishment of the Buz Bonaminio Scholarship, honoring the late Ed "Buz" Bonaminio '56, a former player, head coach, devoted alumnus, and a driving force behind the return of Yote football in 2014.
The scholarship was endowed by Bonaminio's family and friends in honor of his lasting impact on the College and its football program. It will provide annual support to a Yote football player who exemplifies the values Buz held dear.
The first recipient of the Bonaminio Scholarship is sophomore running back
Rylie Byington, a standout student-athlete from Nampa, Idaho.
Coach
Mike Moroski shared the significance of the moment: "It is a great day for Yotes Football. Coach Buz Bonaminio was a great person and ambassador for Yotes Football and the College of Idaho.
The Bonaminio Scholarship is super important to Buz's friends and family. Rylie personifies everything Buz loved about C of I Football - integrity, toughness, leadership and an exuberance for excellence. He is a great student, a well-respected teammate, and he will be a great player for the Yotes this season."
Byington expressed deep appreciation for the honor. "I feel blessed to be receiving this scholarship from the Bonaminio family. I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to represent them," he said. "I hope to continue and spread the legacy of Buz and the Bonaminio family."
Bonaminio's contributions to the College spanned generations. After arriving from Chicago in 1952 to try out for the football team, he became a four-year letter winner and still ranks among the program's all-time rushing leaders. He returned as head coach in 1965 and later spent decades advocating for the return of the sport after the program disbanded in 1977. "From day one, he was knocking on my door, wanting to add football," recalled longtime C of I coach and administrator
Marty Holly. "I don't know if we would have re-started football without Buz Bonaminio."
In 2013, Bonaminio's persistence paid off. The College officially announced the return of football, and the Yotes played their first home game in 37 years in front of a packed Simplot Stadium the following fall.
Since then, Buz and his family have been a fixture at Yote games, tailgating, cheering, and continuing their unwavering support. Bonaminio's passion for the program was honored further when the football office in the
Marty Holly Athletics Center was named in his honor.
Last week, members of the Bonaminio family and close friends gathered with C of I coaches and Byington in the foyer of the athletics center to commemorate the inaugural scholarship presentation.
The Bonaminio Scholarship ensures that his legacy, and his lifelong belief in the power of football to shape character and community, will continue to make an impact for years to come.
