Mick and I were friends for many years; one year I coached against him, and many times I was behind the plate for his games. I was at Kellogg Woods getting my gear on for a game when the Hopkins bus unloaded his varsity softball team. The girls headed for the field and Mick bounced over to my car with a warm greeting and we chatted softball for several minutes. I nervously glanced at the field to make sure the opposing coach was not watching us. Twenty minutes later I was at the plate beckoning the two coaches out for the pre-game conference. Coach Francis, with his hand out stretched to me and in a booming voice said, “Hi, I’m Mick Francis; who are you?” The other coach never had a clue! Farewell my friend.

My family and I have had the pleasure of cheering from the sidelines and watching Big Coach Francis, and then the dynamic duo of Father and Son, coach Hopkins Varsity Football for the last 20 years. It has been such a pleasure to watch them lead so many games to victory and for those games that did not end in victory, teach some very valuable lessons to do better next time. Big Coach Francis was such an inspiration and role model for so many children who have now become young adults throughout the community. He taught the players how to become good young men and women, and he built their character and leadership skills. He taught them how to prevail and overcome obstacles when things got tough on the field and throughout life. The number of lives that Big Coach Francis has touched is absolutely amazing and his legacy will live on within the entire community for many years to come. R.I.P. Big Coach Francis the lessons you taught in the classroom and on and off the fields will never be forgotten and neither will you! You will be greatly missed! We love you!