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STEUBENVILLE -- Due to Jefferson County moving into the "red" category on Ohio's COVID-19 map, Franciscan University of Steubenville officials had to make the tough decision to call off the Baron Club Dinner that had been set for Nov. 14.
Mike Florak, the university's executive director of community relations, informed the Herald-Star of the decision on Friday.
This year's dinner, which was set to have a limited capacity, was going to feature members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that captured the gold medal.
Mike Eruzione, who scored the game winning goal against the Soviet Union, Ken Morrow, a defenseman on the team, and Craig Patrick, the team's assistant coach and former general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, were set to be the featured guests, along with Phil Bourque from the Penguins radio team and ESPN's John Buccigross.
Florak said the speakers had indicated in initial conversations they could come back at a later date when it is possible to have the dinner.
Set to be honored were Hank and Kay Kuzma and family, coach Paul "Bud" Billiard, coach Dan Bjelac and coach Marc Bjelac.
Hank Kuzma coached the 1958 College of Steubenville national championship basketball team, and was set to receive the first "Hank and Kay Kuzma Family Baron Club Award" which will be awarded to a family going forward for "their service and contributions to Franciscan University and the local community."
Billiard, the legendary former Brooke football coach, led the Bruins to three state titles in 1985, 1987 and 1990.
Dan Bjelac is a Steubenville native and Catholic Central graduate that coached Columbus Bishop Watterson to a football state title in 2010.
Marc Bjelac is also a Steubenville native, Catholic Central graduate and former coach of the Crusaders.
The Baron Club Dinner is the university's annual fundraiser for its NCAA D-III athletic teams.