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Barons Shutout WVU for 8th Annual D’Anniballe Rugby Ruckus
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—Franciscan University’s Baron rugby team toppled West Virginia University in a 32-0 shutout this Saturday night in the Eighth Annual Robert D’Anniballe Rugby Ruckus. The team’s defense is proving impenetrable, with tonight’s impressive shutout coming off of last week’s 80-0 shutout against Juniata College. The Barons are on a roll this season, ranked 10th in the nation by the National Small College Rugby Organization with a 3-0-1 record.
At the half, players and fans honored the memory of Robert D’Anniballe and his contribution to Franciscan Rugby, with a video shown as a tribute to his legacy. The D’Anniballe family was represented tonight by siblings Karen, Lynn, Robert, and Don D’Anniballe, all present to commemorate their father.
“It is always a pleasure to come out and support the team,” said Karen D’Anniballe, “We love rugby and the video tribute helped to connect the students and the administration of the University to Dad’s legacy in a broader sense.”
A large home crowd came out for the Ruckus despite the freezing rain earlier in the day, and the fervor of the fans only helped to fuel the competitive, tenacious spirit that is Franciscan Rugby.
“The game tonight was just awesome,” beamed head coach Mark Hanrahan. “We played with intensity against the best competition we’ve seen all season. Our team is well-balanced between the forwards and the backs. I would say that our defense is key; defense made it so that 90% of the game tonight was played in their half, swarming their back line.”
Bringing home the points for the Barons was Tony Gayed, Matthew Conahan, and Dan Kramer with a try each, while Michael Brasie scored two tries on the night. A Baron fly half tallied a two-point kick to finalize the score, 32-0.
“Co-captain Mike Brasie led the backs, and all my forwards really held their own,” said tonight’s Man of the Match and rugby co-captain Andrew Kay. “This was a true team effort.”
“The Ruckus is always one of our biggest matches of the season. This is an opportunity to play for the community and it means a lot to the guys to have this venue. Every time we play in the Ruckus we represent the community and the great family that is the D’Anniballes.”
The event was sponsored by Ambulance Service, Inc., Checker Transportation, Jefferson Security Services, and TEAM Automotive.
The Barons play next on Oct. 8, in the Homecoming Weekend match against the Franciscan University rugby alumni. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.
