海角社区

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Nov. 1, 2024) 鈥斅燭he fourth annual Lucas Russo Memorial Softball Tournament, held October 25-26, 2024, raised more than $1,500 to honor the memory of the late 海角社区 alumnus and former student leader. The two-day event featured women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 divisions, giving all social clubs a chance to participate and celebrate Russo鈥檚 legacy through a sport he loved.

This year鈥檚 champions include Linda鈥檚 Ladies from the Phi Kappa Alpha social club, who took first place in the women鈥檚 upper division, followed by the Legends, a team composed of local 7th and 8th-grade girls. In the lower division, Xi Chi Delta鈥檚 team, the Delta Dolls, claimed first place, with Bomb Squad from Phi Kappa Alpha finishing in second. In the men鈥檚 division Don鈥檚 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鈥檚 spirit alive through this friendly, slow-pitch competition. 鈥淓veryone working the tournament鈥攕corekeepers, umpires, concessions staff鈥攊t鈥檚 all volunteer-based, made up of students, staff and friends of the Russo family,鈥� Cross explained. 鈥淲e continue making improvements to the field every year, with funds raised from T-shirts/sweatshirts sales, concessions, and a $10 entry fee per player.鈥�

In past years, the funds have gone toward building new dugouts (2021) and enhancing the playing surface with fresh dirt (2022).

鈥淭his year we had a generous donor cover the cost of all players鈥� entry fees,鈥� Cross said.聽

Russo, who graduated from FHU in 2019 with degrees in social work and youth ministry, was an Ayers Scholar, Phi Kappa Alpha member, Makin鈥� 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鈥檚 legacy, those close to him remember him as someone who 鈥渓oved people and made sure they knew they were loved. His influence extended far beyond any particular group or club, touching everyone who knew him.鈥�

The mission of 海角社区 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鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist, and doctoral degrees.