Coach Hank Kuzma

Barons Celebrate Legendary Coach’s Lasting Legacy

| By: Evan Weber
Steubenville, Ohio  
  It takes a lot to get a court named after you. For most schools, you have to achieve something incredible for your team, like winning a national championship. You have to contribute to your local community and help your school in other affairs. You have to leave a lasting legacy that sets a winning culture for future generations. It's a tremendous challenge, one that might seem impossible. But that's what made Coach Hank so great. He attained every achievement you could think of, making him more than deserving of the name of our basketball court.
    In 1954, as the newly instated head coach of the Barons, Hank Kuzma immediately established a winning culture for the College of Steubenville. In the span of 5 years, Coach Hank had a 95-17 overall record, including a 47 home-game winning streak. In 1958, the Barons climbed all the way to the top to be named small college basketball national champions. While Hank Kuzma left Steubenville in 1959, he returned for a small coaching stint from 1978-1981. Even after the University cut athletics, Hank Kuzma remained involved with the school, working as the Alumni Director and raising funds for many projects, such as the J.C. Williams Center. It wasn't just about the blaze of wins, or the glow of a championship. Hank Kuzma served Franciscan University with everything he had, whether he was a coach or not.
    As a result of Coach Hank's tremendous contributions, it was only fitting that Franciscan University named Finnegan Fieldhouse's basketball court "Kuzma Court". Every year, the Barons celebrate Kuzma Day, in which we honor our legendary coach, and the foundation he built for our entire athletics program. As a part of this special day, the men's and women's basketball teams will be playing Geneva college this Saturday, January 28. Of course, the games will be played in the newly floored Kuzma Court. Armed with a fresh coat of paint, the Barons are ready to continue their tradition of honoring our legendary coach for years to come.

Stay Connected 
Be sure to follow Franciscan Athletics on Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage.
Coach Hank Kuzma
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories