Get Ready! Sixth Annual Baron Rugby Ruckus

STEUBENVILLE, OH—Does the warm spring weather have you itching to see some real sports action? Get ready for some rough-and-tumble competition with the Sixth Annual Robert D'Anniballe Rugby Ruckus on Friday, April 16, at Harding Stadium. Kick off will be at 7 p.m. as the Franciscan University Barons take on the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.

Described as "a game for ruffians, played by gentlemen," rugby is a game of "elegant violence" that calls for strength, discipline, skill, and passion from the ruggers.

This is the last Rugby Ruckus to be played in the spring; starting with the fall 2010 semester, the annual Rugby Ruckus game will be held during the main fall rugby season.

"We're really looking forward to playing this last spring Ruckus," Baron forward Andrew Kay says. "The fans, the town, playing Pitt, it's like 'Friday Night Lights' for us."

The Barons are on a roll following the March 24 tournament at Slippery Rock University, with wins over Carnegie Mellon (24-10) and Robert Morris University (42-0).

General admission for the game is $5 at the gate. Admission is $3 for Franciscan students and faculty with valid FUS ID, youth 7-12, and senior citizens. Children under six are admitted free. Concessions, prizes, and a 50/50 raffle will add to the evening's fun.

In the five-year history of the Rugby Ruckus, Franciscan University has played noted teams such as Ohio State University, West Virginia University, and University of Pittsburgh. At their last Ruckus match-up three years ago, the Barons decisively beat the Panthers at Harding Stadium, 34-10.

Special recognition will be given this Ruckus to Baron Rugby founder and general manager Niall "Papa" O'Mahony, who will also be honored the next evening by the Franciscan University Century Club for his dedication to the development of the Franciscan Baron rugby program, and his positive influence on so many young athletes.

Rugger alumni, get ready for a full weekend:

Friday

1:00-5:00pm Golf Outing at Blackmore Country Club (Reservations Required)
7:00-10:00pm Sixth Annual Rugby Ruckus versus University of Pittsburgh at Harding Stadium

Saturday

9:00-11:00am Alumni Brunch and Business Meeting (Seniors and Alumni Ruggers only)
12:00-4:00pm Alumni Match: Old Boys vs. Current Team followed by a postgame cookout on Memorial Field
6:30-10:00pm Century Club Dinner honoring Niall “Papa” O’Mahony with keynote speaker Jim Tressell, Head Coach Ohio State University Buckeyes (RSVP required)

Sunday

10:30am Mass at Christ the King Chapel