Fourth annual Lucas Russo Memorial Softball Tournament raises over $1,500 to honor beloved FHU graduate
HENDERSON, Tennessee — The fourth annual Lucas Russo Memorial Softball Tournament, held October 25-26, 2024, raised more than $1,500 to honor the memory of the late Freed-Hardeman University alumnus and former student leader.
Men’s Championship Winner
The two-day event featured women’s and men’s divisions, giving all social clubs a chance to participate and celebrate Russo’s legacy through a sport he loved.
This year’s champions include Linda’s Ladies from the Phi Kappa Alpha social club, who took first place in the women’s upper division, followed by the Legends, a team composed of local 7th and 8th-grade girls.
Women’s Upper Division Championship Winner
In the lower division, Xi Chi Delta’s team, the Delta Dolls, claimed first place, with Bomb Squad from Phi Kappa Alpha finishing in second. In the men’s division Don’s Dawgs from Phi Kappa Alpha claimed the title, with a team from the Foote St. Church of Christ in Corinth coming in second, and Dream Team from Xi Chi Delta claiming third.
Adam Cross, the tournament director, initiated the event in 2021 to keep Russo’s spirit alive through this friendly, slow-pitch competition. “Everyone working the tournament—scorekeepers, umpires, concessions staff—it’s all volunteer-based, made up of students, staff and friends of the Russo family,” Cross explained. “We continue making improvements to the field every year, with funds raised from T-shirts/sweatshirts sales, concessions, and a $10 entry fee per player.”
In past years, the funds have gone toward building new dugouts (2021) and enhancing the playing surface with fresh dirt (2022). “This year we had a generous donor cover the cost of all players’ entry fees,” Cross said.
Russo, who graduated from FHU in 2019 with degrees in social work and youth ministry, was an Ayers Scholar, Phi Kappa Alpha member, Makin’ Music emcee, and Student Government Association participant. Known for his big personality, smile, and laugh, Russo had a lasting impact on everyone he met. Following his passing Nov. 9, 2020, FHU students raised over $20,000 through a crowd-funding campaign to renovate the field where he had 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 extended far beyond any particular group or club, touching everyone who knew him.”
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship, and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
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