In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz heads to the Louisiana Bayou to reconnect with 1997 Benedictine College graduate Rusty Welch — a football-loving, gator-hunting southern gentleman whose journey from Louisiana to Kansas began with one unexpected phone call from Coach Larry Wilcox. Rusty shares how that call led to a life-changing experience at Benedictine, where he discovered faith, family, and a sense of purpose that still guides him today.

He reflects on adjusting to life up north, the lifelong friendships built through football and biology, and the lessons that shaped both his career and character.With a strong background in biology and expertise in wildlife management, Rusty continues to live out the Benedictine values he learned in Atchison — proving that no matter how far life takes you, once a Raven, always a Raven.