Football

FAIRMONT – With the start of the 2016 Rio Olympics rapidly approaching, marking the first time rugby sevens will ever be played as an Olympic event, two of the major difference makers for the squad from the United States are former Division II athletes.

FAIRMONT — The Olympic Games are officially underway.

While the Mountain State celebrated the triumph of Ginny Thrasher, folks around Fairmont State University reveled in excitement as one of their own, Perry Baker, prepares to take the field for the first time Tuesday.

FAIRMONT — As former Fairmont State football player Perry Baker begins his quest for gold in the Rio Olympics, the FSU faithful will gather to cheer him on.

Today at noon on the second floor of the Falcon Center, Fairmont State University will host a #Perry4Gold team USA rugby sevens watch party as Baker and the American team take on Argentina.

FAIRMONT — In all of the excitement at Fairmont State University concerning Perry Baker’s run to the Olympics, two messages rang true in the thoughts of those wishing him luck in Rio.

First, the community is proud that it has an athlete headed to Rio to compete at the highest level.

Second, the community couldn’t be happier that it’s Perry Baker representing them.

FAIRMONT — Members of the Fairmont community gathered Thursday at the Falcon Center on the Fairmont State University campus to wish one of their own the best of luck as he makes his way to the Rio Olympics.

Perry Baker, a Daytona Beach, Florida, native who graduated from Fairmont State in 2013, will represent FSU and the United States as a member of the USA men’s Rugby sevens team in this year’s Olympics.

Update Aug. 9, 2016

Read a summary of Tuesday's Team USA performance in the Men's Rugby Sevens by Chris Thomas:

http://www.fightingfalcons.com/news/2016/8/9/falcon-features-rio-update-...

Update Aug. 9, 2016

Check out this link to a story about the #Perry4Gold Watch Party:

The Fairmont State University community has learned that its legendary football coach, Harold S. “Deacon” Duvall passed away late in the night on Thursday, Oct. 16. Information on arrangements can be found in the Saturday, Oct. 18, edition of The Times West Virginian by clicking here.

The Fairmont State Alumni Association is hosting a Game Day Tailgate on Saturday, Sept. 13, for Fighting Falcon fans attending the football game at Shepherd University.

The event begins at 10:30 a.m. in Lot B at Shepherd University. Admission is $10 per person and includes a picnic lunch. Limited reserved parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Game tickets are available at the gate. Kickoff is at noon.

Fairmont State University and the Department of Athletics will honor legendary coach Harold “Deacon” Duvall on Thursday, Sept. 4, prior to the season opener against Notre Dame College.

Fans attending the game are advised to arrive a few minutes early to witness the unveiling of the Deacon Duvall statue that will be permanently displayed at Duvall-Rosier Field. The unveiling is planned for 6:50 p.m., and kickoff is at 7 p.m.