HENDERSON, Tenn. — 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.

Winner of the men’s championship

The two-day event featured both the 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 girls’ upper division, followed by the Legends, a team made up of local 7th and 8th grade girls.

Winner of the women’s championship of the upper division

In the lower division, Xi Chi Delta’s team, the Delta Dolls, won first place, while Phi Kappa Alpha’s Bomb Squad finished second. In the men’s division, Don’s Dawgs of Phi Kappa Alpha won the title, with a team from Foote St. Church of Christ in Corinth in second and Dream Team of Xi Chi Delta in third.

Tournament Director Adam Cross launched the event in 2021 to keep the spirit of Russo alive through this friendly slow-pitch competition. “Everyone who works the tournament – ​​scorers, referees, concessions staff – are all volunteers, made up of students, staff and friends of the Russo family,” Cross said. “We continue to improve the field each year, with funds raised through T-shirt/sweatshirt sales, concessions and a $10 entry fee per player.”

In recent years, funds have been spent on building new dugouts (2021) and improving the playing surface with fresh dirt (2022). “This year we had a generous donor who covered the cost of registration fees for all players,” Cross said.

Russo, a 2019 FHU graduate with degrees in social work and youth ministry, was an Ayers Scholar, a member of Phi Kappa Alpha, a Makin’ Music emcee and a member of the Student Government Association. Known for his big personality, smile and laugh, Russo had a lasting impact on everyone he met. After his death on November 9, 2020, FHU students raised more than $20,000 through a crowdfunding 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 the talents God has given them for His glory by providing an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, honors and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

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