Steubenville, Ohio - The Franciscan University Athletics Department is happy to announce the plans for this year's Hank Kuzma Community Day in collaboration with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday February 5th. The Lady Barons are scheduled to tip at 2:00 p.m. against Westminster with the men to follow at approximately a 4:00 p.m. start. Kuzma Day is one of our most well-known athletic events throughout the academic year. During which we honor Hank Kuzma for his contributions to Franciscan University both as a head Coach of the men's basketball team, named top basketball team in the small college division in 1958, and his contributions later in his career as an ambassador and benefactor of the school. 

In addition to our Kuzma Day celebration, we will be retiring Jim Smith's number who was a two time All-American, including the 1958 Championship season. Jim Smith is the All-Time NCAA rebounding leader, across all three levels of NCAA basketball with 2,334 rebounds, and his 2,048 points over his 113-game career in Steubenville is second in program history.  Smith was drafted by the Boston Celtics; however, he was drafted into U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and never got the opportunity to play in the NBA. Click here for a more detailed release on Jim's life. His #41 will be a permanent reminder and presence in Finnegan Fieldhouse of his impact on Baron athletics and his community. We will be  lucky to have Jim's children and some former teammates in attendance to honor him this day.

Kuzma Day brings many of the community leaders up to Franciscan, allowing them to interact with our students, and gives students an opportunity to engage with the Steubenville community. Bring the family and enjoy complimentary refreshments sponsored by (pictured below) Trinity Health System, Valley Hospice, and New York Life in the Baron Lounge overlooking Kuzma Court from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.



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