Tyrone football coach looks to the future

By Corey Snyder

Franco has a record of 190-37, a .837 winning percentage. Franco has also taken the Golden Eagles to three state championships, winning one, and has eight district championships. And now coach Franco is thinking about leaving.

There is a tradition that coach Franco has started here at Tyrone and being a former player of coach Franco I have been a part of that. Tyrone football in the past 18 years has sky rocketed because of coach and the great athletes that have went through this school.

“It is based on what he wants,” Mr. Owens, gym teacher, said, “what he accomplished as a coach is unmatched; maybe he wants another challenge.”

I agree that what he has accomplished is unmatched. He has created a tradition here at Tyrone Area School District and if he were to leave it wouldn’t be the same.

Owens also expressed how coach Franco has helped him as a person being a former player of coach.

“He is the best motivator. He helped a lot of students work hard. He has formed a tradition that I am so proud to be a part of,” he said.

I am also proud to be a part of this tradition. I hope it continues no matter what.

“I don’t think that if he leaves it will affect the amount of players that come out. I would be disappointed if that was the case. Tyrone has enough athletes to carry on the tradition,” Owens said.

I know being a player right now that it won’t change my perception on the game. I will make sure to get everyone out next year. Regardless what coach Franco does, we will win.

Seth Welch, junior, expressed his opinion being a player of coach Franco.

“I will continue to play the game. I will work hard and play hard through my senior year even if he leaves,” he said.

Being a friend of Welch, I would agree that I will also be playing through my senior year. We will just have to work harder and play tougher than ever.

Welch also made a great point when he said, “Coach Franco has taught me what to do in life. He taught me how hard to work to get something I want. Coach has taught me to go for my goals.”

Coach Franco is a great person and coach. He has taught me so much over the two years that I have played for him. I will be able to take what he has taught me in life and excel in the future.

Tyrone Area School District’s dean of students Mark Murphy had some thoughts on this ordeal.

“I’m very supportive of all the athletics here at Tyrone. I am amazed about the amount of time and effort that the coaches put into bettering their teams,” he said. “The community will be very supportive on his decision. They will be upset, maybe a little hurt, and frustrated but will be behind his decision.”

Mr. Murphy makes a great point when he said the community will be very supportive. I think everyone should be. It’s his job, if it’s his time to leave, then so be it.

Coach Franco will make his decision after the banquet on January 23, 2011. He reported that he would be telling his players his decision before anyone else.

No matter what his decision, he will always be remembered.