Don’t Just Watch: Homecoming Boasts More for Sports Spectators

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—There’s something for everyone at Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Homecoming Weekend, and this year the sporting events aren’t for spectating only. While the Lady Baron volleyball and tennis teams compete against conference opponents, the Baron ruggers will take on their own alumni.

“The alumni match has always kind of been an after thought,” said head rugby coach Mark Hanrahan. “Something that was just the old rugby guys coming in. It’s never had as much significance as this year since it’s a featured event of homecoming weekend.”

The Barons versus alumni match will take place Saturday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. on Memorial Field. An increased turnout is expected, with 20 to 25 rugby alumni traveling to Franciscan to compete in the match.

“The guys are really excited to play the old guys,” said Coach Hanrahan. “Some of the guys who graduated in more recent years will be coming back to play against old teammates.”

The action then moves to the Finnegan Fieldhouse as the Lady Baron volleyball team hosts La Roche College at 2 p.m.

“It’s so exciting for these girls to be able to play in front of their friends and family,” said head coach Kelly Herrmann. “These girls are from all over the country and their parents don’t get to see their daughters play very often.”

The Lady Barons play La Roche multiple times this season, with only one of the matches qualifying as Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference play, so the Homecoming Weekend match affects only the overall season standing. The Lady Barons are currently 6-9 overall on the season, and 1-2 in conference play.

On Sunday, visitors can take in a 1 p.m. tennis match at Belleview Park as the Lady Barons play conference opponent La Roche College. Currently on a seven-game winning streak, the Lady Baron tennis team holds a record of 7-1 in the AMCC and 7-2 overall.

“I think the girls will have a lot of energy from the events of the weekend and from having family in town,” said head coach Jenna Lynch. “They will be able to channel that energy right into their games.”

All sporting events are free for the weekend. Other events for Homecoming Weekend include a student talent show, the St. Francis Festival, a children’s costume competition, the blessing of animals, a Festival of Praise, and a performance by Scythian. For a full schedule and details visit http://www.franciscan.edu/Homecoming/Schedule/.