Baron Rugby Wins First Home Match

STEUBENVILLE – Franciscan University of Steubenville’s rugby team played its home opener against Washington and Jefferson College on Saturday, defeating the team 59-5. This win gives the Barons a season record of 1-0-1, having tied their previous match against Fairmount State University.

“Overall, I was very impressed with how the game turned out today,” said head coach Mark Hanrahan. “We were all really excited to play for the home crowd, and the guys came out with some real fire, dignity, and passion.”

A conference game, this winning match at the home pitch was a positive way to continue the season. Coach Hanrahan was pleased especially by the way the team has continued to progress in working successfully together.

“It was great to see the backline work together,” said Coach Hanrahan. “Our forwards were down two starters but we didn’t miss a beat.”

Senior Dan Kramer led the forwards for today’s match, and Coach Hanrahan was very happy with how he played overall.

“The team’s endurance and strength was great,” noted Hanrahan. “The men hit and ran hard, and they never let down.” With some new players joining the Barons, an evidently strong team early on is good motivation for the team and a good sign for the coach.

Another player who especially stood out was senior Michael Brasie, one of the Baron captains.

“Brasie played an outstanding game,” Hanrahan said. “He set a lot of the other guys up for scoring, and was just in the right position at the right time, offensively and defensively.”

Brasie scored the opening try and set the tone of the game early on. Scoring a total of three tries, Brasie was definitely a prime player in today’s game.

“We played Franciscan rugby today,” noted Coach Hanrahan. “If we continue to do that, we’ll have a great year. We have a lot to look forward to.”

The Barons play next on Saturday, Sept. 24, on their home pitch of Memorial Field versus Juniata College. Match time is set for 1 p.m.