BYESVILLE − Times have been tough for the Meadowbrook girls basketball program, coming off an extremely difficult and emotional year with the unexpected and tragic passing of head coach Ty Sichina just prior to the start of the season.
In searching for a new coach to provide some stability and reenergize the girls program, the Rolling Hills School District opted to put their trust in a true "Meadowbrook Man" to lead the way as head coach.
That man is veteran coach and 28-year educator as a teacher within the Rolling Hills district in Dave Francis, who will be officially hired at the next school board meeting on Thursday, April 17.
"It's nice to come back home. I know all the kids having taught most of my potential players," Francis said. "I have developed relationships with them already, which will be a real plus. I also have four grandchildren in the school system and who will be playing for the Colts in the future.
"With everything this team has been through last year with the passing of Coach Sichina," Francis added, "one of my top priorities will be to get the ladies refocused with some strong stability within our program. I'm very excited for this opportunity and want to develop a winning attitude with sportsmanship and a great work ethic."
Colts feel they have the right man for the job
Francis returns for his second stint guiding the Meadowbrook girls basketball program, having served as head coach from 2000-04 with a record of 45-41 during that span.
Meadowbrook athletic director Johnny Jones feels strongly that with Francis's strong roots with the community, as well as the school system, is just what is needed.
"Last season was a difficult one for the Meadowbrook girls’ basketball program with the tragic passing of Coach Sichina, whose impact on so many will never be forgotten," Jones said. "The hiring of tenured educator and veteran coach Dave Francis provides stability and leadership as the team looks to regroup and build for the future.
"We would also like to express our sincere appreciation for Tori Wolverton and her staff. They stepped up to lead the team through unprecedented adversity. Their dedication to the team and commitment to Meadowbrook basketball have been invaluable."
Francis's coaching resume includes 26 years at various levels, including Meadowbrook girls varsity and junior varsity, Cambridge freshman boys, Caldwell junior high boys and girls and, most recently, the last six years as boys junior varsity coach on head coach Clint Crane's varsity coaching staff at Caldwell High.
Francis feels good about about potential for turnaround
Last season's rough season for the Colts concluded with a 4-19 record, along with a 39-67 record over the previous five seasons.
But Francis likes what he sees and is ...
