Fran McGlinn, a senior at Archbishop Wood, was told before his junior season that his career would have to end because of a heart condition. Ever since, Fran has remained a highly visible part of the team, suiting up for each game and lending support to both his coaches and teammates. He has even gotten involved in scouting and trying to prepare for a future job as a coach. We salute Fran's passion for the game, and for his resolve in going forward after being hit with such deflating news. Pictures of Fran from Feb. 16 Click here for story On Senior Night at Wood, Feb. 16, the Vikings hosted Archbishop Ryan. Fran was unable to receive permission to play in the first 3 minutes of the game, as he'd hoped. Instead, he began the game with a dunk! Fran is great friends with Ryan's Eric Dethloff, so that made the night special. Also, 20 family members and loads of friends/fellow students were on hand, along with Comcast SportsNet. Here is the story about Fran's situation that appeared in the Daily News last season . . . (Below the story you'll find three pictures taken of Fran this season at the Jan. 29 Wood-La Salle game.) (Your comments about Fran can be found below the pictures. Thanks!) Grateful for getting a shot Wood's McGlinn a vital member of team despite heart ailment Jan. 5, 2006 By TED SILARY IT WAS SCORED miles and miles away, in virtual solitude, yet figures to stand up as the most significant point of the city-leagues' basketball season. Fran McGlinn did the honors, and the whole uplifting experience remains something of a blur. The date was Dec. 29, and the occasion was a morning consolation game featuring Archbishop Wood and Brandywine, Del., in the Boardwalk Basketball Classic, in Wildwood, N.J. It was late and Wood (now 0-12) was en route to a loss. So, when a Brandywine player was whistled for a technical foul, coach Joe Sette went forward with a plan he'd discussed with his aides. "When coach Sette turned around and said my name, to shoot the techs, I was so nervous," McGlinn said. "The first one? In and out. At least I think it was. Can't remember for sure. I was pretty excited. "The second one? It rattled in, a little. All the guys came around to congratulate me. [Teammate] Chris Crawford said, 'It's OK to smile even though we're losing. ' " Was it ever. Fran McGlinn, a 6-3, 200-pound junior, had high hopes of spending this winter as a productive forward. Instead, he's serving as an honorary captain and unofficial assistant coach after being diagnosed with a condition that, if handled incorrectly, could bring him to his knees, or worse. McGlinn late last summer was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, the heart ailment that killed Murrell Dobbins Tech grad Hank Gathers in 1990, while he was playing for Loyola Marymount University, and last May claimed Western Kentucky's Daniel Rumph, a Parkway product, while he was playing in a pickup game at a Philly rec center. Near the end of July, McGlinn was working out with his father, also named Fran, in the gym at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station when his heart began to race at hard-to-fathom speed. Soon, his mother, Denise, was checking his blood pressure and pulse, and facing the realization there indeed was cause for concern. Doctors at St. Christopher's Hospital made their own diagnosis and then conferred with a heart specialist in Texas. They all agreed: It's cardiomyopathy and your days as an athlete are over. (He also played baseball. ) Even anything close to taxing exertion is banned. "I went through an anger stage for about a month," McGlinn said. "I got through it and then had another one when tryouts were starting. Now? I guess I have some random hard times. "It'll be rough again [tomorrow] when we play La Salle. Not only are two of my best friends, Chris [Crawford] and Jim [Malatesta], on our team, but one of my other best friends, Matt Greenfield, is one of La Salle's captains. It would have been nice to be out there with them. " Said Denise McGlinn: "Basketball was Fran's life. All he ever talked about, and cared about. He was devastated. This has been rough for all of us. " She brightened. "I never thought I'd miss washing so many sweaty clothes. " McGlinn still attends practice - "I go off and shoot by myself" - and suits up for games. He is allowed to go through layup drills, but does so carefully. "I'm not scared," he said, pensively. "I know I'll be OK as long as I don't exert myself too much. " He added, "During tryouts, I was playing a few kids one-on-one. After I finished, I was feeling it a little. It was, 'Maybe I shouldn't have done that. ' I haven't done it since. " Sette said McGlinn was Wood's most reliable scorer in summer-league play and would have played a prominent role. He's also quite the "basketball junkie," Sette noted, and routinely goes to watch other games when Wood is not scheduled. "I thought it was important," the coach said, "that we make Fran a captain, so he knows he's still a big part of what we're doing. "At that Brandywine game, I doubt there were more than a dozen spectators. But it was appreciated by everyone who knew Fran's situation and it put a big smile on his face. " Said McGlinn: "The coaches have been very supportive through everything and I am thankful they gave me the opportunity to shoot the foul shots. " He will be even more appreciative if some future foe gets slapped with a late-game tech and he again receives the go-shoot-'em call. After all, his competitive fires still burn white-hot. He does not want to finish the season only 50 percent from the foul line. Fran (24) does the pre-game chest bump with Tim Fahy. Following through on jumper during halftime. Teammates watch as he tries to convert alley-oop pass. Your Comments . . . Ted: Just some interesting notes about Fran... I have known him since his summer of going into 8th grade when I worked the Wood basketball camp. He attended and was clearly the best player there. So when I reffed the games I would not give him a lot of calls. He would get mad or complain or look at me for a call. I pulled him aside and told him, "if you are that good and can take over a game then you need to learn how to play through contact. You will not be getting a lot of the same calls you are used to getting once you reach the high school level." He said okay and went on his way. Then I watched him during his first two years at Wood and he really developed a good all around game. Both as an inside threat and an outside threat. The last summer in which he played for us for summer league he was flat out dominating points and rebounds. And then came news of his heart condition. I immediately felt for him and his parents. But I really felt for Fran because I was born 3 months early and doctors told my parents I would not be able to compete athletically with kids my own age and I overcame that. And I often felt back on that over my life and wondered what if I didn't try? I probably wouldn't love basketball nearly as much as I do today. And that is why I felt for Fran, he really loves the game, even when he was playing he never took it for granted as many of today's players do too much. I wondered why did this happen to Fran, a great kid, liked by all, why would this be taken from him? Why take something from him that he put so much effort, hard work, sacrifice and love into? I felt for him and prayed for him. Maybe hoping there was a way he could come back and play the game he loved. Then he told me this year, they wouldn't even let him play high school CYO. Fran sits next to me on the Varsity bench and we often talk strategies and situations. He knows the game VERY WELL. In my opinion there is a definite future in coaching for him. Almost every game he sits next to me it always comes up "Blair just put me in, I'll stand in the corner and shoot that 3" or "Put me in for these foul shots". In my opinion Fran would have been All catholic last year and this year if he were healthy. Every time he asked me to put him in, I say to myself "If you only knew how bad I prayed you could get one more chance to play". After saying this to myself I smile and tell him to leave me alone (smile). And then I read that he will get another chance against Ryan on Senior Night. I am excited for him and his family. I want to thank you for putting the page up, he is a great kid and deserves this attention of playing that game. And I want to urge high school players or any players reading this not to take the game for granted, cherish every second you touch the court. Thanks a lot Ted. Blair Klumpp --- I have known Fran since my sophomore year of high school. We didn't get off to the best start considering the first thing he said to me was that I wasn't any good at basketball, but over the past four years we have become very good friends. I have all the confidence in the world that he would have been all catholic these last two years if he had been given the chance. Over the past 18 months, he has realized just how lucky he was to be given the chance to play high school sports, and also just how quickly that opportunity can be taken away. Although he has every right to complain about his condition, he instead has decided to help the team in any way he can and I have the utmost respect for him because of that. I hope that this upcoming night will help heal some of the hurt, even though nothing can replace what was taken from him. And I am very excited to see him set the new world record for shots taken in the first three minutes of a game, which will be especially ironic considering how much he loves to pass. -Matt Greenfield --- Fran moved here I think when we were going into 8th grade. I remember because in the summer league we played in was a joke and his coach Mr. Miller (my next door neighbor) used to always blow up the battle of the Fran's. I remember the first time we played. He seemed like just some kid who was kinda big, but it seemed like every jumper he shot went in and his post moves were just about as good. He was such a good all around player for his size. I played on a few teams with him after that but never really stayed in touch with him. Then, at the end of 10th grade I decided to transfer to Wood and thought that me and him would play really well together. I knew he was better then me, but I thought I could learn a lot from him in practice every day, and get better as well. Well, before the season even started he IMed me and told me he couldn't play. I thought he was joking, and then I realized he was for real and I remember just staring at my computer. He was a lot of the reason I wanted to come to Wood. But, on the bright side of it all we did become good friends and I still do learn from him. Even though he doesn't play, he's there for all of the practices and is into every game more than anyone on the bench. I don't know how he does it, but he does. He loves the game that much. Last summer we played on a Patriots team together for AAU, that he introduced me to by the way, and he got in a game and hit a three from almost half court. He just raised up and swished it. His range is still that good. I've never seen him happier than that moment at nationals that he got to score in a game. I can't imagine how he's going to feel against Ryan. Everyone should be there to support him, he really deserves it. -Fran Brzyski --- I met Fran back in grade school at Presentation B.V.M. in Cheltenham. I played baseball and basketball with him and CD Sr. bball player Christian Smith throughout grade school. Fran and Christian would try to outscore one another in every bball game from 4th through 8th grade haha. Everyone who knows Fran knows the he lives and breathes basketball 24/7. When he told me he couldn't play anymore I also thought it was a joke. I watched Fran progress as a player for years through flat out hard work and determination, he got better every time I saw him play. And to think that it could come to such a drastic end left me without words, without feeling. After that, every time I was tired or didn't feel like lifting or running, or was hurt and didn't feel 100%, I thought about how privileged I am to even be on the field playing a game I love because I know my good friend can't experience the same. For some ordinary people quitting would be the first and easiest choice to make. Fran took the higher road and didn't quit and continued to be a true teammate and stayed with his team, that part didn't surprise me because that's the way Fran has always been.......Francis if your reading this I'll be there to watch you play big guy, good luck!!! - Frank Doyle McDevitt 07 --- hello everyone, it's been quite a long time since i wrote on this website in the trash talk section but i've come back to voice my opinions again, only this time it's not trash talk, it's about one of the strongest young men i've ever known in my life, Fran McGlinn. i used to babysit franny and his sisters all the time and i used to have a blast doing it. i remember he was about 7 and his older sister was about 9 or 10 and i would make her go to bed and let franny stay up all night until about 20 mins before his parents came home so that i could play bball with him on his nerf net or play sega's nba live.....(let's hope mrs. mcglinn doesn't see this part) and let me tell you.... basketball was truly his life.... i have watched him grow into a fine young man and basketball player. granted, during grade school, i used to get upset with him because he was a big guy and i knew he would be a great power forward but all he wanted to do was shoot threes and i used to call him soft all the time. but once he got into high school, i like to say i finally got to him and he finally started to become a more complete player and then the news hit. the minute he told me this my heart just sunk because i knew how much basketball meant to him and i knew it was only going to take a strong man to deal with this blow. and the way he has handled this with class, grace, strong will, and a loyalty to his team that i've seen very few people in this world show. in fact, franny courage in dealing with this situation has only inspired me even more to try out for the basketball team at west chester. granted i didn't make the team, but i thank him for giving me this inspiration to go out there and work my butt off and just gave it my best shot. now i can leave college saying "hey i gave it my shot, but at least i won't regret not trying." but yeah, thank you franchise for bringing out the best in me. as far as the future for this young man..... he's got everything going for him.... he's already gotten a head start in the coaching business helping sette out and i guarantee you, he's even gotten sette rethinking some strategies. in fact he was probably the one that told sette to give tim fahy his first varsity start as a sophomore with a playoff spot on the line...(sound familiar?) i would like to close this comment saying thank you to FRANCHISE and i have never been more proud of anyone in my life and i'm glad to call you my little brother that i never had but always wanted. i love you bro -- tim smink (Ted's note: I just had to do a little explaining here so people know who Tim is. Though deaf, he attended a "regular" high school, Dougherty, and was a second team Daily News All-Catholic wing guard in his senior season, 2001-02. Tim was liked/respected by EVERYONE he played with/against and he's now making progress in his career as a referee. Tim, as a frosh in 1999, made his first varsity start with a playoff spot on the line. All he did was go 5-for-5 on treys for 15 points -- he attempted no other shots -- in a 57-52 win over North Catholic, thus earning the ink!! Telling Tim's story that night was one of the VERY BEST experiences I've ever had in journalism. Thanks for checking in, Tim, and supporting Fran. Here's that story on Tim's debut . . . ) HE MAKES BIG NOISE IN VARSITY DEBUT by Ted Silary, Daily News Sports Writer Khavaughn "KoKo" Shannon came flying down the steps outside the locker room at Cardinal Dougherty High, screaming like crazy. "Smink! Sminky's the Man! " Earlier, in the gym, the kids in the wood-box section of stands known as the "Looney Bin" had been leaning over the railing, slapping their hands in unison against the padding and yelling, "Smink-eee! . . . Smink-eee! . . . Smink-eee! " Wait. Aren't Robert Carter, Greg Mayo, Jon Davenport and Shannon the headliners on Dougherty's squad? Amen. But last night, they were excited to share the spotlight with a young man who authored the feel-good story of the basketball season. Tim Smink, a 6-foot freshman wing guard, with a Catholic North playoff spot on the line, made his varsity debut against visiting North Catholic. All he did was snipe 5-for-5 from beyond the arc for 15 points - he attempted no other shots - as the Cardinals won, 57-52, to clinch fourth place. Smink did his damage while wearing hearing aids tucked behind both ears. He has been profoundly deaf since birth. "I have trouble hearing the coaches when they're calling the plays out," said Smink, who gets by in the classroom almost exclusively by reading lips. "That's why I'm always looking over to the bench. But really, being deaf doesn't affect me. Except make me work harder. " After spending most of the season on the freshman team and then making a pit stop with the junior varsity, Smink was promoted to the varsity at mid-week. Coach Mark Heimerdinger said he made the move after prodding by assistant Dave Distel. In a neat twist, Dougherty's JV coach is alumnus Bob Pembleton. On Feb. 5, 1993, Pembleton, a freshman, made his varsity debut and scored 25 points on 8-for-11 from the floor (three treys) and 6- for-7 at the line. It is believed no freshman in city-leagues history has scored as many points in his varsity debut. "I didn't expect to move up. It felt great, though," Smink said. "I wasn't nervous," he added. "Well, actually I was, but I wasn't paying attention to it. " Said Heimerdinger: "When you go through life deaf, how scared are you going to be playing basketball? Tim is an outstanding human being. I can't say enough good things. All he wants to be is a regular kid. He doesn't think of himself as `a deaf kid. ' " Smink hit one trey apiece in the first, second and fourth quarters and two in the third. (As that quarter ended, a ticket was pulled for the 50-50 drawing. The winner - Tim's father, John, for $67. John's twin, Jim, holds the city- leagues record for touchdown passes in a game, six, for Father Judge in 1969). Tim had to settle for one assist, but made nifty passes that could have yielded three more if not for misses. Smink displayed a beautiful stroke and always had his feet set perfectly. In JV games, he'd mostly stuck with 15-footers. "I wasn't looking to score tonight, just to win," he said, smiling. "But I was open, so I shot. " Carter added seven points and nine rebounds. Shannon had seven points and five assists. Mayo scored 12 points. Davenport mixed 14 points with nine boards. Dougherty went ahead for good, 53-51, with 1:32 left as Mayo scored on Davenport's assist. Mayo also converted a double bonus at 7.2 to create the 57-52 math. Even North faithful knew they'd seen something special. As the Falcons' scorekeeper, aware of Smink's story, left the building, he said with sincerity, "Good for him. God bless him." --- Hey Ted, I just wanted to first take the time to thank you for posting the tribute page and I�d also like to write down a few words about Fran. Fran's been one of my best friends over the past three years and whether he realizes it or not has been an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others. I�ll never forget the day Fran went for his doctor appointment and I called him to see how it went, assuming he�d just have to change his diet or possibly go on medication, his text back to me was one of the most startling things I�ve ever had to read in my life, �I�ll call you when I leave, I can�t play basketball ever again.� When I went to his house that day I couldn�t help but be overwhelmed with the feeling of both shock and grief. It was the first time I had ever seen Mrs. McGlinn without her usual big smile. Only a strong family like the McGlinn�s could�ve helped Fran get through these difficult two years. As we've all watched him battle through the past two years, people have seen his strength as he sits on the bench and watches the game he loved to play. What many people don't see is the struggles everyday he takes on of not doing what he loves the most. Fran has shown tremendous strength over the past two years that I didn�t know he had. I never thought I�d actually hear about people fighting over who got to wear #24 for Fran on various teams at Wood. I�ve never met anyone with the same passion for the game of basketball as Fran and I know it hurts him to not play it. Fran�s an unbelievable kid and was a great player whose time on the court was sadly cut way too short. Fran was the reason I played my senior year of basketball and although it didn�t go as well as hoped, I can�t thank him enough for making me do it, even though he never asked or told me to play. There�s no doubt in my mind Franchise would�ve been a two year all-catholic selection, and well deserving of the honors. Mr. Bob Schmalbach has informed us Fran has the unofficial record for points in JV. As a player Fran was a very good shooter with incredible passing skills. Although I�ll never play with him again on the court, I�ll never forget the look he gave me when he�d hit me with a great pass. The game of basketball is surely missing his D, as well� Good luck next Friday, Chise� and don�t hesitate to look for your shot. -- Chris Crawford --- I met Chise my sophomore year at Wood when he first started coming to basketball workouts and at first I just thought he was a big goofy kid and never thought I'd end up being best friends with him just a few years later. I will never forget the day Chise called me to tell me that he couldn't play anymore. I was sitting in my family room watchin our show boy meets world when the phone rang and he broke the news to me. I was devastated for him. All summer he had been working so hard to help make our team successful the next season. He always laid it all on the court, even in the summer. A game that sticks out to me is a game we played in a Haverford tournament. Fran had about 30 points and completely took over the game. This was just the kind of player he was. He had the ability to score at will. And his defense, i dont know where to begin. Getting to know Chise i got to realize how much basketball meant to him. He would call me all the time asking me to go to the courts to play or just to come over and play him one on one. All he ever thought about was basketball. It took a lot of effort from him for the past two years to go to practice everyday and watch the game he loved being played while the whole time knowing he would never get that chance again. What he has gone through has been an inspiration to not only me but to many people. When there's a time when I do not feel like practicing, I think of him and what he would give to be able to practice just one more time. I was very excited to hear that he was getting this opportunity to play just one more time. He has put so much into the program at wood that this is the least they could do for him. I know when he goes in it will be the best feeling in the world for him. He will finally have the chance to play the game how he always loved for a team that he has lived for, for the past few years. His stingy defense to his no look passes, just being a very unselfish player will make him the happiest person in the world on friday. He was an all around talent and will do an awesome job in the game. Good luck Chise, #24, i'll be there cheering you on. -Jim Malatesta --- I first met Fran the summer before my sophomore year at Wood. I was just transferring into Wood and when I talked to my dad about the team and the upcoming season, he told me that Fran McGlinn will make all the difference on the varsity team and with him we would have a good shot at making the playoffs. I played in a few summer league games with him and I remember he was an exceptional player. He could shoot the ball from the outside and post up inside as well. I remember thinking that this kid was the real deal. It seemed like every time he stepped on the court he would go for twenty plus points. Then, I heard that he would no longer be able to play due to his heart problem. I was very disappointed to hear this and I could never imagine what he has gone through these past two years. But, I am glad that Fran�s diagnosis came when it did and he is still with us today. Last night, Cardinal Dougherty was called for a technical foul and Coach Sette signaled for Fran to come in. He hit one technical free throw and I could tell it made his night because when he came out, he had a huge smile on his face and received applause from all of his teammates and all of the spectators who were aware of his situation. He has had such a huge influence on me and has made me want to get better. Sometimes I look at him and just think about how much he would give to be able to play again, and that motivates me to give more effort. Last year, I was used mostly as a J.V. player, but just thinking about how I have the opportunity to still be able to play, gave me a reason to want to become a better player. He has been such a leader this year to the Wood basketball program. He is present at all of our practices, participates in warm-ups, encourages everyone while on the sidelines of the game, and sometimes is more intense on sidelines then the players and coaches. I not imagine Wood basketball without Fran McGlinn! I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know Fran better in the past year. He recommended me to attend Eastern Invitational camp and to his AAU coach over the summer. He has helped me improve my game and still continues to tell me what I need to do better and what I already do well. Last year, he constantly nagged me about getting into the weight room and it paid off. He thinks about my game more than I think about my own game (if that�s possible). We have spent a lot of time together outside of basketball, and he is always looking out for me and I totally appreciate everything he does for me and he means more to me than I can say. I wish that there were something more that I could do for him. I cannot wait until Friday, February 16, when Fran will to showcase his talent just one last time. The stands will be packed and I can only imagine the ovation that he will receive when he walks off the court after his three minutes of fame. ---Dan Comas --- Fran and I are the only seniors left from our freshmen basketball team. That year I was impressed with Fran�s ability to take over games especially when they got close. He is an all around great player and an even better teammate. There is no doubt in my mind that Fran could have made an impact to change last year as well as this year and in doing so made All-Catholic. Fran is there every practice and game doing whatever he can to help. When I heard about Fran�s heart condition I wasn�t sure how to react or how he was going to react. But through it all he has kept a positive attitude and can be found always smiling happy to be around the game and his team. He has carried himself with a positive outlook and an inner strength that is stronger than I could imagine. Understanding Fran�s condition, I feel lucky and appreciate the opportunity of playing more than one sport. Being around Fran I can see the love and passion he has for the game. I can only imagine how hard it is not to be out there with his friends. It is going to be great to see him play this Friday Feb. 16 and I know it will be a special night for all of us. Thanks Ted. -- Patrick Devlin --- The following comments were made by three of his roadies soon after his dunk . . . Chris Crawford: "It's a special night for Fran because he's been really wanting to get back onto the court these last two years. He misses scoring a lot. And it was nice for Mrs. McGlinn to see her boy back on the court." Matt Greenfield: "I've been playing with Fran for about two years." He laughed. "I don't know if his parents know that. I don't know if they're SUPPOSED to know that. It was really good to see him back out here after such a disappointing turn of events. It was obvious, by seeing the emotion on his face when he came out of the game . . . (that it meant a lot to him, too). Jim Malatesta: "This meant a lot to Fran because basketball is his life. He was always around the game, going to Myers Way or the local basketball courts to play the game. And dunk. Or TRY to dunk." --- The following comments were made AFTER Fran's big night . . . Ted, In 35 years of playing , coaching and watching thousands compete in the PCL, I believe the Fran McGlinn tribute was the Catholic League's finest hour. Kudos to coaches Bernie Rogers and Joe Sette for a tremendous show of class. Fran is the real deal and he and his family have raised the bar on how to handle athletic adversity. Great night. -- Dave Bontempo --- When I transferred into Wood my sophomore year I'll always remember the way Fran made me feel at home right away. He really helped me to adapt into the school comfortably. When I was on the JV team with him sophomore year I was taken aback at how well he played, especially his post up moves and ability to rebound. I was convinced that he would be a big time player over the next two years. I cannot empathize how hard this must have been for Fran over the past two year. When I was told this year I wouldn't play again after an injury I was completely devastated and furious, and I had already played my junior and half of senior year. I thought about Fran and it didn't make me quite as upset. Fran you're an exceptional person for fighting through all this, and handling it the way you did. I'm glad you got to throw one down in front of all those people Friday night. You got one hell of a heart Fran no matter what the doctors tell you. -- Matt Little --- The responses you're getting about Fran are a great tribute to just how great a kid he is. Last summer i had the privilege to be on his team for the Wood basketball camp, we called our team the "Franchise Team," (my name also being Fran). That was the first time i actually got to know him. I have heard everyone, and i mean everyone, say how great a kid he was. People would ask what school i was going to and i would say Wood. The response was about always the same. "Oh with Fran McGlinn, hes a great kid you will get to become great friends with him." Everyone knew about Fran. And surly everyone was right, i became good friends with him. Even though I am a freshman, he treats me like he would treat anyone else. He sort of took me under his wing and was helping me out with me game. He gave me a lot of confidence. I am sad that I only got one year with him in high school, but he is a kid I will never forget and I am sure will stay close with. I never got to see him play before, but from what i can see, he would be great. His commitment to the game, after what happened to his heart is unbelievable. He is a great role model and a person that myself as along with many people look up to. The tribute to Fran was well deserved. Fran Dolan --- Ted, My Name is Jeremy knell I have played Basketball At Dougherty For the Past 3 and half years, I met Fran back in grade school at Presentation B.V.M. in Cheltenham. I played baseball and basketball with him and Christian Smith throughout grade school. Me Christian And Fran would go for high scorer every game and, who got more rebounds, we would go to Jardel Rec Center on cottman Ave. and work out for hours, Fran lives basketball and is all about Kyle korver, Fran remember when we always almost fought st Philips? they never could beat our squad especially with me you and Christian on the court at the same time, and don�t even get my started on baseball practice with Mr.. Doyle as our coach ha-ha. Fran Was my Determination to keep working hard and to keep my head up, because someone so close to me lost everything he had in a heartbeat, and there's nothing anyone could do about it, but instead of Fran quitting and not supporting the team he always went to practice sat on the bench and did some recruiting, he even tried to get me to transfer to wood as 3 guard. Fran is a great, Friend, brother, son, teammate and co-worker and he knows what its like to want to give up, but he has the strive to keep going with hard work and determination. In Grade school Fran was the one who always wanted to look good with the warm-up music and the warm up shirts. Well Fran we are all proud of you and remember keep your head up. Much Love # 24 Jeremy Knell Cardinal Dougherty #22 2007 ---