STEUBENVILLE, OH—Legendary Franciscan University of Steubenville basketball coach Hank J. Kuzma, 86, died Saturday, September 13, following a brief illness.

Kuzma’s affiliation with Franciscan University spanned more than five decades. As an innovative young basketball coach hired by the College of Steubenville in 1954, Kuzma once led his teams to win 56 home games in a row. In 1958, the 24-1 Barons were named the Number One (No. 1) Small College Basketball Team in the U.S by the United Press International Board of Coaches.

Kuzma left the College the following year but returned as basketball coach in 1978. When the University dropped intercollegiate athletics in 1981, he channeled his on-court strengths as coach into new endeavors. He served as the University’s alumni director, director of corporate and foundation support, and director of Development. He was involved in every capital campaign and was instrumental in raising funds for the J.C. Williams Center and most of the newer buildings on campus.

Remaining a faithful friend of Franciscan University his whole life, Hank, along with his beloved wife, Kay, supported the University’s mission in innumerable ways, especially by his attendance at important events and frequent words of encouragement.

“Franciscan University owes a huge debt of gratitude to Coach Kuzma. He spent the majority of his professional career here, first as a nationally ranked and respected basketball coach, and then as a highly successful fundraiser and ambassador for the University,” said Father Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, president of Franciscan University. “Hank’s impact goes far beyond his success on the court or in fundraising. He was known throughout the Ohio Valley and beyond for his honesty, integrity, and willingness to help with a wide range of civic and Catholic causes. Our entire University community extends its prayers and support to his wife, Kay, and their children and grandchildren. We will miss him greatly.”

In 2001, Kuzma was voted into the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame. In 2008, he took his rightful place in Franciscan University’s Baron Hall of Fame along with his entire 1958 basketball squad.

The honor he cherished the most took place on July 19, 2011, when Franciscan University unveiled the Henry J. Kuzma Court in Finnegan Fieldhouse.“I would never have dreamed of this,” said Kuzma of the recognition at the time. “I’ve seen other coaches get the floor, but I never expected it.”

Franciscan University Athletic Director Chris Ledyard compared Kuzma to another legendary basketball coach—UCLA’s John Wooden. “He is our local John Wooden. Both showed us, without fanfare, what it means to be virtuous in sports and how to be virtuous as a human being.”

Ledyard credited Kuzma with providing him the advice and direction he needed to pilot Franciscan University’s successful return to intercollegiate athletics in 2007. Today, Franciscan University hosts 16 men’s and women’s teams in NCAA Division III and rugby. Ledyard added that as a young coach, Hank put the College of Steubenville on the national map. “When I go to NCAA national conferences, I still meet people who remember Coach Hank and his legendary feats in the 1950s,” he said.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Mosti Funeral Home, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, and Thursday, September 18, 3:00-8:00 p.m., Finnegan Fieldhouse, Franciscan University of Steubenville. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 425 North Fourth Street, Steubenville.

Charitable donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Franciscan University of Steubenville Baron Athletic Fund by calling 740-284-5847 or online at giving.franciscan.edu/kuzmagifts or to St. Peter Catholic Church. Condolences may be offered at mostifuneralhome.com.