Katie Holbrook = new Softball Coach at FHS

via HockomockSports.com we hear that Franklin has announced Katie Holbrook as the new Softball Coach at FHS.

Franklin High athletic director Tom Angelo announced last week that Katie Holbrook had been hired to fill the softball coaching vacancy created by Kate Fallon’s move to rival King Philip. Holbrook is the owner of Brand New Ballgame, a baseball and softball training facility in Wrentham, and has coached club and showcase softball teams for more than a decade.

Holbrook was familiar with the Franklin program, community, and players from her role at Brand New Ballgame, and was excited about making the Panthers her first high school coaching role.

“Between them coming in for team practices or working in private practice or clinics with some of the kids, I’ve gotten a chance to really know them over the last six or seven years,” Holbrook said in a phone call this week. “I had a tie to Franklin and when Kate moved over I thought it’s a good, strong program, there’s a desire for strong leadership and I have a good tie to the community. It was the right place.”

She also noted that the familiarity with the players could make the transition easier. She said, “They know who I am at least by reputation, so I think that’s helpful. They know I care about Franklin, that I know about softball, and that I do this day-in, day-out. So, I think the buy-in period may be a little shorter for me than maybe someone else who was new to things.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-announces-katie-holbrook-as-new-softball-coach/

Katie Holbrook = new Softball Coach at FHS

Franklin High School's Eian Bain named Patriots High School Coach of the Week

via the New England Patriots:

"With a 28-14 victory over Brockton on Friday Night, Franklin High School’s Eian Bain has been named this week’s New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week.

Franklin continued to impress in the MIAA Division I South semifinals, taking advantage of a breakout second quarter performance to propel them to a win over Brockton. The Panthers scored 21 points in the second quarter and added another touchdown in the third to separate themselves from the Boxers in the Division I South playoffs for the second consecutive season. The victory snapped a four-game winning streak for the Boxers. Senior quarterback Thomas Gasbarro established himself as a dual-threat in the game, completing 15-of-21 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 35 yards and another touchdown on the ground.

With the win, Franklin High School moved to 7-2 on the year and advanced to the final round of the MIAA Division I South playoffs. They’ll look to push their winning streak to five games and capture the Division I South finals title when they face off against Catholic Memorial on Friday night.

Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett, now the team’s executive director of community affairs, met with the Franklin players and coaching staff Tuesday afternoon to present the football program with a $1,000 donation on behalf of the Patriots Foundation, in honor of Coach Bain. The visit and check presentation will be featured on the Patriots weekly television show, “Patriots All Access,” which airs on Friday night at 7 p.m. on WBZ-TV in Boston and will be available immediately after on Patriots.com."

https://www.patriots.com/news/franklin-high-school-s-eian-bain-named-patriots-high-school-coach-of-the-week?

FHSl's Eian Bain named Patriots High School Coach of the Week

“I have to earn their trust just as much as they have to earn mine”

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, writes on the hiring of Anthony Sarno as the FHS boys hockey coach:

"Franklin athletic director Tom Angelo announced that former Weymouth High assistant Anthony Sarno has been hired as the new boys hockey coach. Sarno will take over from Chris Spillane, who stepped down in April after two successful decades with the program that included a state championship and a Super 8 berth.

“I first heard about the opening and I was kind of shocked,” Sarno explained in a phone call on Wednesday. “Chris Spillane has been a legend there and to have the opportunity to even get an interview for the job is an honor. Ever since I was a kid and growing up and coaching at Weymouth the last five years you get to know a lot of different teams and Franklin High has always had a fantastic program.”

He added, “After meeting Tom Angelo and having the opportunity to interview for the job, it just felt right. It felt like a good fit.”

Sarno was with the Weymouth program for the past five years. He was the JV coach and the associate varsity coach. In 2017 he took over the program when head coach Patrick Kennedy was called up to active duty. Sarno held the head coaching job for the remainder of the 2017 season and stepped back to allow Kennedy to regain the position when he returned."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-names-anthony-sarno-as-new-boys-hockey-coach/

In case you missed it, the retirement of Coach Chris Spillane was shared here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/04/you-want-them-walking-away-saying-i.html

Former Weymouth assistant Anthony Sarno has been hired to be the new boys hockey coach at Franklin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Tri-County Regional Wrestling Coach Named MIWCA Division 3 Central Coach of the Year

It’s been quite the wrestling season for Tri-County Coach Steven LaPlante. Not only did the Tri-County Wrestling team win its first ever sectional title, but Coach LaPlante has been named the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (MIWCA) Division 3 Central Coach of the Year.

During this 2018-2019 wrestling season, Coach LaPlante also earned his 200th dual meet victory. “The accomplishment is representative of our program and the consistency we have built and sustained over time,” said Coach LaPlante. “The credit really goes to my assistant coaches and all the wrestlers who have worked together and competed so fiercely for the betterment of our team. Every year we strive to get better.”

“I think I have some of the best assistant coaches in the state,” says Coach LaPlante. Assistant coach, Drew Stowik, has been coaching with LaPlante from the beginning and Matt Hogan, an elite former Tri-County wrestler, has been coaching for the past 8 years. “Drew and Matt are a huge reason so many of our guys improve so much during their time wrestling for us,” said LaPlante.

This year, the team’s regular season record is 19-1 and they have claimed 5 tournament championships along with the Mayflower League title. The team also won the Small Division State Vocational Championship. “This team is arguably one of the most successful in the history of our program,” declared LaPlante. “The wrestlers’ willingness to personally invest in the program and work hard every day has driven our success.” 

Tri-County Coach Steven LaPlante

Senior Captain, Kevin Carlucci of Franklin has enjoyed the benefits of the daily grind. This season, Carlucci broke the school’s career wins record. He will enter into D3 States with 140 career victories under his belt. Senior Captain, Harley Blanchette of Attleboro also reached a milestone this season, eclipsing 100 career victories back in December. Patrick Griffin, a Junior Captain of Franklin, has also put together a stellar season, by putting up a 39-4 record, and earning a sectional championship at 132 lbs. Dominic Parrella, a Senior Captain of Medway, joined his co-captains by claiming an individual state vocational championship at 220 lbs.

Coach LaPlante started out wrestling for Cumberland High School, under Hall of Fame Coach Steve Gordon. During his wrestling career, LaPlante was a 2-time state finalist and 3-time New England qualifier. He placed 4th in New England as a senior. His love of the sport led him to start coaching in 2005 and he has been coaching ever since.

In LaPlante’s first 3 years of coaching at Tri-County, the victories did not come easily. The team compiled an overall record of 20-34. Since 2008, however, the wrestling team has put together a dominant record of 195-30. During that time, the Cougars have accumulated a league record of 69-4, won 15 tournament titles, and claimed 8 Mayflower League Championships along the way.

Despite the Cougars’ aggressive, hard-nosed style of wrestling, LaPlante’s coaching style is driven more by caring and compassion. LaPlante emphasizes his coaching staff prioritizes each wrestlers’ personal development over wins. Above all, wrestling builds character, and LaPlante stresses that subscribing to this philosophy leads to greater success on and off the mat. 

When students sign up to be a part of Tri-County wrestling, they know they’re not just signing up to be a member of the team, but rather to become a part of a family that will make sacrifices for, and rely on, each other. “It’s larger than just being a member of a team,” added LaPlante. “It’s about being part of something greater than yourself.”

LaPlante further states, “There are many contributing factors to this season’s success. We’ve been fueled by dedicated wrestlers, meticulous team managers, a passionate coaching staff, and truly supportive families-especially my own.”

Coach LaPlante and the Tri-County Cougars are looking forward to divisional states this weekend in Wakefield, MA.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

FHS McGrath selected Player of the Year to lead several Volleyball awards for FHS

We share the HockomockSports.com Volleyball awards for FHS. Note: all photos from HockomockSports.com

Volleyball Player of the Year

"Franklin senior Lauren McGrath has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year. The Panthers’ setter played a huge part in helping her team win the Kelley-Rex division title and the program’s first ever Division 1 Central-West Sectional title. 

McGrath was also voted as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches after guiding Franklin to an undefeated regular season, including a perfect 16-0 in Hockomock League play. 

“Lauren was the heart and soul of this season and she played her heart out every game this season,” said first-year Franklin head coach Kelsey Weymouth. “We wouldn’t have been so successful without her!”

Franklin senior Lauren McGrath has been selected as the
2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Lauren McGrath

Lauren McGrath – Franklin – Setter
Franklin senior Lauren McGrath capped a strong career with a memorable senior, earning Hockomock League MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year honors. McGrath had 547 assists while leading the Panthers to a Kelley-Rex division title, a D1 Central-West sectional title (first in program history) and an appearance in the D1 State Semifinal. She finished with 31 aces (89.3% serving percentage) and set a program record with 56 assists. “Lauren was the heart and soul of this season and she played her heart out every game this season,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “We wouldn’t have been so successful without her!”

Ellie Wisniewski

Ellie Wisniewski – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin senior Ellie Wisniewski had a terrific final year with the Panthers, helping the team win the Kelley-Rex division title and the program’s first-ever D1 Central-West Sectional championship. As one of the top attacking options in the league, Wisniewski finished the season with a team-high 151 kills while also chipping in with 59 digs and 41 aces. “Ellie could do it all for us at any time,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “Front row or back row, she was a force to be reckoned with, and other opponents knew this as well. She was such a dominant asset on this successful team, and no matter the situation we were in, Ellie played to win.”

Riley Marino

Riley Marino – Franklin – Defensive Specialist
Franklin senior Riley Marino had another terrific season as the Panthers’ libero. The Panthers went undefeated in Hockomock League action to win the Kelley-Rex title and won the program’s first sectional title, and Marino was a vital part of that. Franklin rarely made mistakes defensively, and Marino was the anchor of that unit, recording a team-high 218 digs. She added 27 aces this season. “Riley’s energy and drive drove this team to give all the effort they could every game,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “Her defensive was impeccable, and the confidence I had in her kept growing from the start, and she helped take us all the way.”


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Hailey Sanders

Hailey Sanders – Franklin – Opposite/Middle
Franklin senior Hailey Sanders was a versatile option for the Panthers, getting reps on the right side as well as the middle. After being mostly a middle prior to this season, Sanders gave Franklin a dangerous option from the right side in 2018 and really helped keep defenses off balance. In the playoffs, Sanders moved back to the middle and helped Franklin win its first sectional title. She finished the season with 100 kills (50% kill percentage) and 35 blocks. “Hailey’s versatility as an athlete made her a huge asset to our team’s success,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “She was able to play any position, and as a coach, that’s what you look for in a player.”

Maggie Doyle

Maggie Doyle – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior Maggie Doyle made a big impact on both sides of the ball for the Kelley-Rex division winning Panthers in 2018. Doyle was a key piece in the offense from her middle spot but also gave Franklin an advantage defensively with her blocking abilities. Doyle finished with 135 kills (46.1% kill percentage) and was among the best blockers in the Hock with 65 blocks (47 solo). “Maggie’s presence at the net was so dominant she didn’t let many balls get by her, and when they did, she turned it right back around with a kill,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “She was a go-to hitter for us all season.”



COACH OF THE YEAR

Kelsey Weymouth

Franklin head coach Kelsey Weymouth has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Coach of the Year. In her first year, Weymouth guided the Panthers to a 20-1 overall record, a perfect 16-0 in the Hockomock League, and the program’s first-ever sectional title.

The Panthers won their first Kelley-Rex title since 2015 and won the title outright for the first time since 2011. After going a perfect 16-0 in league play (and 17-0 for the regular season), Weymouth guided the Panthers to three straight playoff wins in five sets, the last of the three a win over 3-2 win over Shrewsbury to secure the program’s first-ever sectional title.

“Coach Weymouth had a strong group of players with high expectations, and she was able to help the Panthers live up to them,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “The Panthers were dominant during the regular season, and then Weymouth pushed all the right buttons during an impressive run that led to a sectional title.”


For the complete listing of volleyball awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2018-2/

Evan Sholudko Named Assumption Men’s Swimming Head Coach

The Franklin radar picks up with bit from Assumption College. Evan was one of the younger swimmers when my daughters were on the swim teams at Hockomock Y/Adirondack.

"Assumption College Director of Athletics Jamie Marcoux is pleased to announce Evan Sholudko as the College’s Blue and White Sports Men’s Swimming Head Coach. Sholudko officially began his duties in August of 2018 and the team will begin competition in the fall of 2019. 

“I’m excited to welcome Evan as head men’s swimming coach at Assumption,” said Marcoux. “He has proven to be an excellent coach in his young career and will lead our men’s program as a part of Blue and White Sports. I look forward to seeing him develop our swimmers in the pool, in the classroom and the community.” 

Sholudko spent the past year as an assistant with the Assumption women’s swimming program. Sholudko was instrumental in helping the Hounds place second at the NE10 Championships for the second consecutive year. The team also won the Gompei Invitational and claimed the Worcester City Championships. 

“I want to thank Director of Athletics Jaime Marcoux and the Assumption Athletic Department for supporting me in my new role as the head men’s swimming coach,” Sholudko said. “I am excited to continue to work with the amazing student-athletes here at Assumption. My goal is to build this program by instilling a positive culture and tradition so that we as a team can compete and make an impact as soon as possible. I expect the men’s swim team to be one that the Assumption community, student-athletes, parents and alumni can be proud of and support.”

Continue reading online 
http://www.assumptiongreyhounds.com/sports/bluewhite/2018-19/releases/sholudko_hire

Evan Sholudko - Assumption College’s Men’s Swimming Head Coach

FHS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke - named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year

"CONGRATS to our Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke for being named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year! #PantherPride"

CONGRATS to our Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke for being named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/rvIXMHuoQt

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 29, 2018

FHS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke

What is the NIHOA?
National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA)

For more about the organization, visit their webpage  
https://nihoa.arbitersports.com/front/107166/Site/About/History%20of%20NIHOA

National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA)

FCC Coaches Cup, Monday, May 16th

Franklin Country Club's FCC Coaches Cup Monday, May 16th  Franklin Country Club invites all Franklin and Wrentham Youth Sports Coaches to the first FCC Coaches Cup. Monday, May 16th lets kick off the golf season here.  Coaches, get your four some together, and come enjoy a round of golf here at the club.  Golf shotgun start at 12:30pm, on the course The Halfway Shack available for food and beverage purchases. Tournament Play OR play your own ball, your choice.  Franklin Country Club will donate $5 per player back to the Franklin OR Wrentham Youth Sports program for every golf player. $60 per player - includes 18 holes of golf, greens fee and cart 12:30pm Shotgun Start Food and Beverages Additional On The Course - Halfway Shack Available Following Play - Cash Bar  For additional information, questions OR to reserve your four some please call 508.528.6110 x  OR email at events@franklincc.com

Searching For: Volleyball Coach/Player

SEARCHING FOR: Volleyball Coach/Player Summer Sand Advanced Beginner Volleyball     Mondays 6 - 8 PM Please call by 5/11/16 if interested 508-613-1480 The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning 218 Oak Street Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 (508) 613-1480 Franklin Public Schools                  Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning

Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Live reporting: Update on hiring of Football Coach

e. Update on Hiring of Football Coach

Sidwell has moved to the AD role and left the football coaching spot
a screening committee is working through 25 applications
9 candidates most likely on short list
search committee representative of the stakeholders
interview the 9 candidates starting tomorrow
looking for an educator role model 
focus on academics, social emotional development
be more visible in the community

as this is a high school position, the decision will be by the high school principle and staff
it is a coaching position, stipend position
hope to have the process shortened from 9 to next round at the end of this week

O'Malley - seems like an inclusive interview process to do this

Sabolinski - we have a good committee and want to thank them for their work in this matter

Senior Day for FHS Baseball, Softball teams

Baseball
Attleboro @ Franklin, 3:30

Come out to Dean tomorrow and support the boys on Senior Day against Attleboro at 3:30 pic.twitter.com/Clvcjh8HbV

— Franklin Baseball (@FHSBaseball2015) May 28, 2015

Softball
Franklin @ Attleboro, 3:45

Senior Softball...last "regular season" home game pic.twitter.com/2vn94VVFrL

— Pantherbook (@FranklinHSNews) May 28, 2015

And while we are sharing photos from Twitter, also happened to find this one of the three FHS MIAA Coaches of the Year:

From left to right: Coach Bositis, Coach Geysen, Coach Spillane

Very proud to be here at the MIAA with our three Coach of the Year winners #gopanthers #neverquit pic.twitter.com/SSmxNlpvmw

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 28, 2015

The article announcing the three was posted here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/miaa-names-3-fhs-coaches-as-coach-of.html

MIAA names 3 FHS Coaches as "Coach of the Year"

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association announced its Coach of the Year award winners for the 2014-2015 school year and five coaches from Hockomock schools were honored. These five, along with all of the other winners, will the be honored at the MIAA Coach of the Year banquet at the end of May. 

The five Hockomock coaches that received the honor were Franklin's Fran Bositis for boys soccer, Franklin's Tom Geysen for girls soccer, Franklin's Chris Spillane for boys ice hockey, Milford's Dave Chaplin for boys swimming and Milford's Linda Zacchilli for boys volleyball. 

Spillane and the Franklin boys hockey team had arguably the best season of all Hockomock teams so far this year. The Panthers were selected to play in a Super 8 play-in game for the first time in program history and were the first Hockomock team to do so. Franklin then beat Xaverian in overtime in the play-in game to make it to the Super 8 tournament. Spillane led the Panthers to a 17-4-3 overall record with three of their losses coming to the three time defending Super 8 champions, Malden Catholic.

Franklin's Tom Geysen was named the MIAA Coach of the Year
for Girls Soccer. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/five-hockomock-coaches-recognized-by-miaa

"She asked the important questions"

Dunn helps clients visualize what they want in a variety of ways. Sometimes she helps them focus with meditation. Sometimes clients work on arts and crafts projects and clip pictures from magazines or draw to create collages, which helps them define their goals.

"In creating the collage, it all comes together and they can visualize where they want to go," said Dunn. "If they don't have the vision, they will repeat their old habits and get into a job they don't like.

"To get in touch with what we want, sometimes we need to play," said Dunn. "Part of it is finding the inner child. That's the part that needs to be exercised. Guys go out and play ball. Women don't tend to do that."

Franklin business helps people find themselves

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Kathy Uek/Daily News staff

"I think you can say things constructively"

"I think you can say things constructively, without the negativity," she said. "You can say 'win this,' not 'don't lose this.' It's just your wording, and I think that you can send your message positively."

This just might have something to do with the wining record for the Franklin High School Girls Softball team. The quote is from Lindsey Garfield, in her first year as coach.

Read the full article in today's Boston Globe here.