University celebrates career of Hank Kuzma

Compliments of The Herald-Star

STEUBENVILLE - Whether he wanted the attention or not, he received it Saturday evening, as the community came together to celebrate the man who was once declared to be, "the small college coach of the year."

Legendary sports coach Hank Kuzma, who led the Barons basketball team to the top of the small college ranks during the 1950s, was honored for his contributions and accomplishments during the second-annual Kuzma Community Night held at Franciscan University of Steubenville's Finnegan Fieldhouse.

He and his wife, Kay, spent the evening engaged in both conversation and in watching the sporting events which took place between the university's Lady Barons' basketball team and the men's basketball team, as both competed against their New York-based NCAA conference opponents, D'Youville College.

He received a personalized commemorative pen from the FUS Athletic Department, and Kay was given a bouquet of flowers during the halftime of the men's game.

Kuzma compiled a 95-19 record with the school between the years 1954-58. This, according to officials, was "a singular accomplishment for a small college team that lacked proper athletic facilities and recruiting power." He also led the 1958 team to national recognition, as the United Press International declared the Barons to be the "Number One Small College Basketball Team in the United States" following a 24-1 season.

Kuzma also coached the Midland Cagers between 1960-67, winning four straight section titles and having a 152-20 record.

Still, Kuzma previously stated he did not want any recognition for what he once did, saying that "after Athletic Director Chris Ledyard held the Kuzma Community Night a year ago, I suggested they do it for someone else this year."

"There are certainly other people more worthy of this honor than I am," Kuzma had stated.

But Saturday was all about the man who so many throughout the area still admire and respect to this day.

Sarah Bartley, sports information director for the college, explained she has seen over the past several years an increase in the student fan-base when it comes to supporting sports. SHe noted it is "inspiring to see" that support week after week, and she knows the students at Franciscan University are supporting Kuzma for all he has done for the facility.

"Mr. Kuzma has supported us through the years and that is really important to all of us," Bartley added. She concluded by stating she hopes the community joins in with as much support as the students have shown.

Saturday's event, which was offered free to the public, also entailed a canned food collection with all proceeds raised going to benefit the local Urban Mission Ministries.

The first 500 fans who entered the game received free stress-free basketballs which were sponsored by the Herald-Star and Sodexo Food Service. Free T-shirts also were distributed during both games, with a Nintendo Wii being awarded during a special drawing held at the conclusion of the evening.

Sponsors for the event included TEAM Automotive, Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Discovery Jewelers and the Holiday Inn of Weirton.