FAIRMONT, W.Va.—The Franciscan University of Steubenville Baron rugby team started off its 2011 season this afternoon in a head-to-head contest of strength against the Fairmont State University Falcons resulting in a 0-0 score. 

“I've never seen anything like it in my five years of coaching and all my years of playing!” exclaimed head coach Mark Hanrahan, “Though there was no score, we managed to get in the try zone a few times and put forth a real team effort all game.”

Despite the lack of scoring, Coach Hanrahan was pleased with the effort seen from his team.

“The first game always shows us where we need to improve and where we may be a little rusty since last season,” he noted, “but I think that overall the team tackled hard and played strong through the full 80 minutes of play in the intense heat. This is a true testament to the endurance of our players gained through long hours of preseason conditioning, and it gives us a lot to look forward to as we prepare for our first home game next week.”   

The team has some promising returners in junior Michael Brasie and seniors Andrew Kay and Paul Lewis.  In addition, the team is strengthened by the presence of seniors Jonathon Cardinal, David Cup, Thomas Daugherty, Thomas Early, Tony Gayed, Dan Kramer, Hunter Mason, Matthew Strickland, and Max Walker. The level of play will only improve as players meet the speed, veracity and tenacious level of play last season's team is set to repeat.

Hanrahan made a point to state his optimism for the upcoming season, “I am exceedingly hopeful that the team will go all the way this year. This is definitely a very talented group of guys and we fully expect to make another run at the Allegheny Rugby Union championship this season.”

The Barons face Washington & Jefferson College next Saturday, September 17, on their home pitch. The game begins at 1 p.m.