I want to make sure that he is remembered for the great person he was and not just for the fact that he could swim better than most people on the planet. I would love to share stories about Fran and keep his memory in our hearts forever. If you have a story or just simply had a moment with Fran, please leave your positive memories of him here by posting a comment.
I remember a funny story that happened during the Gold group practice one day. Fran had gotten out of National Team workout and came straight over to coach. He disappeared to use the restroom for a minute and came back with the funniest look on his face. I could tell just be looking at him that something had happened. He says, "You'll never believe what I just did." I started laughing and then he busted up. He continued to tell me the story. He was in the mens room when this little girl walked in. She must have been 9 or 10, semi-long hair and a feminine face. Fran, washing his hand, says to the little girl, "hey little girl, you are in the boys room." The kid turns around and says, "but I am a boy". Fran walked straight out of the restroom and told me what had happened. We laughed for a good 20 minutes.
In this clip, Fran was accepting a "thank you" from the 10 and Under Group that we coached. This was a send off party for Olympic Trials and the gift was quite generous. I think it surprised him a little. He was always grateful. We had good times!
Bryan....thanks for that video....it was inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. I was lucky enough to have Fran at Mission while I was coaching there! Even after I left Mission Fran would always make sure to come and say hi and chat at swim meets. I am very sorry for your swimmers, I know they really loved Coach Fran!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is in my thoughts!
We will miss you Fran!
Fran was always hanging on the flags...When he visited last year to speak at our MVN banquet he told me that back home at GA he was coaching and the flags snapped and he fell into the pool with all his clothes on and his cell phone in his pocket. I would love to hear someone from GA talk about this particular story.
ReplyDeleteI remember when the 10 & under coaching staff consisted of Bryan, Jessie and I. Then Fran joined. All the kids were so excited. Well i remember when Bryan tried to help Fran out and ask Jessie on a date for Valentines. Fran was so shy and didnt know what to say that he asked Bryan to find out if she was "available". Lol. It was like a week long process. Funny thing was, I think Jessie knew the whole time.
ReplyDeleteAnother time I remember hanging out with Fran was at the BBQ you had Bryan, at your first condo. That was the night Adm had a date with this girl and she didnt speak a single word of english. He was on the phone in the backyard trying to talk to her and Fran, Melinda and I couldnt stop laughing. We sat in the kitchen fora bit making fun of Adm. I dont remember exactly what was said but I remember laughing so hard that I started crying.
The last time I saw him was at Pan Pacs. They had just announced the National Team members and the coaching staff had to play security guard. Fran walked right up to me on his way out and gave me a hug a really good friend would give you. He seemed so excited and happy to be there. It was really good to see him.
Fran always had this presence about him. So genuine and honest. Im sure he's looking down on us smiling and laughing with all the crazy things everyone has posted.
I remember watching Coach Fran work on dives with my eight year old. They were both wearing their suits. Fran looked so huge next to my litlte, skinny guy! Soon, my swimmer insisted on eating an apple every day because that is what Coach Fran told him that He did every day.
ReplyDeleteFran was such a fun-loving and kind guy. He always had a smile for both the kids and the parents. Coach Fran added a lot of joy around the Nadadore's pool. My kids really miss him.
This was posted to my facebook from Wendy Theders: Amber said one of her favorite memories was when she went to Nick Norman's birthday party at Lazer tag. Coach Fran showed up and gave the kids some great competition. Later that day, we found out it was Coach Fran's birthday that day too! What a guy! He spent his birthday with the kids he helped coach :)
ReplyDeleteAnother facebook post from Tracy Cantin: When Betsy was 8, someone told Fran she thought he was cute. Of course then she wouldn't go near him to take a picture. So he chased her around saying "Betsy I have to have my picture with you.". It was so funny
ReplyDeleteCoach Fran was an amazing coach. He had such an impact on all of us. I know that i trulylooked up to him as a role model and i am sure many others did also. We will miss him but he will always be with us at heart!
ReplyDeleteMandy Barnes