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Sports 'N Stuff: Coach Millard: In RemembranceBy Brian Flagg - May 01, 2008
iBerkshires Columnist
 | | Coach Fran Millard |
Francis E. Millard Jr., teacher and later principal of McCann Technical School and longtime high school football coach, died Wednesday afternoon of an apparent heart attack at the age of 62. He served on the North Adams Parks and Recreation Commission for 25 years and was the football coach at Drury High School.
With the passing of Fran Millard, coach Millard to many, some thoughts came to mind and I thought sharing them with everyone who may have known him could help somehow. So, what I am about to write are my thoughts and some of my memories of this great man.
For all of Fran's family, I know this an extremely difficult time for you. Rest assured that the support of an entire community is behind you in your time of need. You can be proud of the fact that there are more than three decades worth of children and adults alike who have been touched and changed for the better because of their relationship with the coach, the teacher, the dedicated community leader and the friend, Fran Millard.
As a graduate of Drury High School in 1987, I remember Coach stalking the sidelines jawing back and forth with coach Jim Freeney. He would always kick his leg arrantly whenever something didn't go his way. In the locker room, if he wasn't trying to figure how best to beat the next opponent, he was talking with one of the players about studies and making sure to keep those grades up.
I noticed he always tried to make sure everyone felt as though they were a part of the team even, if they weren't one of the main players. In 1986, we went to the Super Bowl, which we lost, I believe, to Palmer 28-0. I was not one of the stars on the team. In fact, I didn't really play all that much.
There were a few of us who just knew we weren't going to get a chance to play in that game. Well, I am not still not sure why, but I did get to play. Coach let most of the players play that day. I still remember it because he really didn't have to let us in the game that day but that's the kind of coach he was. Everyone mattered to him ... family, players, students and friends.
A few months ago, I wrote a story on the development of various athletic facilities around the city. I spoke with Fran on the phone and he told me that he was very excited about the things that have been accomplished for the youth of the city. These developments were important not only as part of the Parks and Recreation Commission but as someone concerned with our young student athletes.
He wanted the best for them and did what he could to make sure that happened. We talked for almost half an hour about other things, like coaching and his retirement, and caught up on the state of each other's families. I had not talked with him in many years but he talked with me like no time had passed at all.
One of the things that sticks out the most in my mind is seeing Coach and his wife, Kathy, at many youth sporting events in the city. My son plays football and basketball in the youth leagues and I remember seeing the Millards at the banquets and the spaghetti supper fundraisers. I coach girls' basketball and he would often pop in and catch a game. It was always about the kids for him.
Like all of you I could go on forever, but I think you all get the idea. I want to end with a personal thank you.
Thanks Coach, for all the tips. Thanks Coach, for everything you taught us. Thanks Coach, for making this a better place to live. Thanks Coach, for all the lives you made better. Thanks, Fran.
Readers are welcome to share their memories of Millard by posting a comment below. Coach Millard's obituary is here.
Brian Flagg was co-host of "The Sports Page" on local public access stations for nearly five years. The North Adams resident has been coaching girls' basketball and softball for 16 years. His column appears every other Monday. |
A gentleman's gentleman. Fran will be truly
missed by all whose lives he touched.
Kevin and Sandi Hamel
| | from: K P Hamel | on: 05-03-2008 |
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Brian - Nice article for a very well respected coach, educator and family man. My condolences to his family.
| | from: Steve | on: 05-02-2008 |
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