Fourth annual Lucas Russo Memorial softball tournament raised over $1,500 in honor of beloved FHU alumnus

HENDERSON, Tenn. — The fourth annual Lucas Russo Memorial Softball Tournament, held Oct. 25-26, 2024, raised more than $1,500 to honor the late Freed-Hardeman University alumnus and former student leader.

Winner of the Men’s Championship

The two-day event included a men’s and women’s division, giving all social clubs a chance to participate and celebrate Russo’s legacy through the sport he loved.

This year’s champions included Linda’s Ladies from the Phi Kappa Alpha Social Club, who took first place in the women’s upper division, followed by the Legends team, made up of local 7th and 8th grade girls.

Winner of the women’s higher league championship

In the minor league, Xi Chi Delta’s team, Delta Dolls, took first place, and Phi Kappa Alpha’s Bomb Squad took second place. In the men’s category, the title went to Don’s Dawgs from Phi Kappa Alpha, and second place went to the team from St. Christ Church. Foote in Corinth, and third Dream Team from Xi Chi Delta.

Adam Cross, tournament director, initiated the 2021 event to keep Russo’s spirit alive during this friendly, slow-pitch competition. “Everyone working on the tournament – ​​competition secretaries, judges, concessions staff – are volunteers, made up of students, staff and friends of the Russo family,” Cross explained. “We continue to improve this area each year with funds raised from T-shirt/sweatshirt sales, concessions and a $10 entry fee per player.”

In previous years, funds were allocated to the construction of new pitches (2021) and replenishing the surface with fresh soil (2022). “This year, a generous donor covered the entry fees for all competitors,” Cross said.

Russo, who graduated from FHU in 2019 with a degree in social work and youth ministry, was an Ayers Scholar, a member of Phi Kappa Alpha, an emcee of Makin’ Music and a member of the Student Government Association. Known for his big personality, smile and laugh, Russo left a lasting impact on everyone he met. After his death on November 9, 2020, FHU students raised over $20,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to renovate the field where he played many intramural games.

Reflecting on Russo’s legacy, those close to him remember him as someone who “loved people and made sure they knew they were loved. His influence reached far beyond any particular group or club and touched everyone who knew him.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by providing them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information can be obtained at fhu.edu.

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