It’s been more than a half century since Rich Evans was a student at the College of Steubenville, now Franciscan University, but he’s continued to cheer on the school’s sports teams—especially basketball.
A former Barons basketball and baseball player who also served as the sports information director from 1972 to 1975, Rich recently emailed the University a photo of himself as the Barons were preparing for their February 26 Presidents’ Athletic Conference basketball semi-final against Pennsylvania’s Washington & Jefferson College. In the photo, Rich is in Marco Island, Florida, sporting a T-shirt from the Barons national championship win in 1958.
“Barons Fans Are Everywhere,” he wrote, adding, “This team has captured my attention and imagination. Definitely among the best three Baron teams ever: 1958 national champs, the ’72–’73 squad, and this ’25–’26 team.”
The Barons ’72–’73 team advanced to the regional finals of the national tournament in 1973, losing to the University of Akron, 49-47, in double overtime.
Although the Barons lost their February 26 game 75-65, Rich’s admiration for them and Coach Joe Wallace, who was honored as 2025–26 PAC Coach of the Year, is undiminished.
“In my opinion, they’re the best team or second best to come out of the University in basketball.”
Rich, who spends a month in Florida during the winter and lives in North Royalton, Ohio, faithfully follows the Barons online.
His affinity for sports figured in his decision to study at the College of Steubenville.
“I had a high school coach who kind of talked me into going or looking at it because a former colleague of his was at the College at the time. I had hopes of playing a little basketball and baseball, but I was also interested in continuing my Catholic education.”
After majoring in math with plans to teach at the secondary level, Rich went on to spend 46 years in education in Ohio and West Virginia, retiring in 2021. During his career, he was a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal, development director, curriculum director, supervisor of special education, human resources director, and supervisor of student teachers.
During his time at Franciscan, he says it was his classmates and teachers who made the deepest impression on him.
“The things you remember are the people, and one thing about Franciscan, the people there will never leave you hanging. They’ll be there for you. If something happens to the family of one of their present alumni, they’re there for prayer support and whatever people need. I’m more than happy with my experiences there, and because of that, I’ll cherish them my whole life.”
