Barons Winning Streak Continues against Alumni

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio— In the spirit of Homecoming Weekend on campus, fans flocked to see an intense competition and celebrate the proud sport of Franciscan Rugby, past and present as Franciscan University’s Baron rugby team welcomed more than 30 former Franciscan Ruggers on the home pitch in Saturday’s Alumni Match. The final score was 20-12 Barons, who hold a 3-0-1 record overall after beating West Virginia University at the Rugby Ruckus last weekend.

 “The game was good, very intense, and I think we gave the current team some good competition,” said former Baron Rugby player Chris Rogers. “Coming back to play on these fields again is definitely a unique experience, as Franciscan old and new is represented here today. There is a unique sense of camaraderie and a heavily spiritual aspect of the game that is unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else.” 

Andrew Kay, Michael Brasie, Matthew Conahan and Matthew Strickland each scored a try for the Barons.  Andrew Niewald and Patrick Salibi each made a try for the Alumni, and Adam Becker scored the two-point conversion kick.

 “Today’s game was the toughest competition we have seen all year,” said head coach Mark Hanrahan after the game.  “We played against a lot of all-stars and captains from years past and I am amazed at how well our guys played. It was a fun day overall. Having everyone back is such a special thing; it’s great to see guys you haven’t seen in years come for this game.  There is a very deep brotherhood amongst all of us.  Rugby is the reason that a lot of us came to Franciscan, the reason many of us stayed, and why we all came back today.”