Comments on: Millwood coach belongs in Hall

By: Frank Wilson

Frank Wilson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:18:38 +0000

Wonderful piece Jenni. You captured a side of Franklin that I knew in the late 1970′s. Coach Franklin was deeply influential in my life, as I found solace and peace and order in basketball. I channeled my teenage energy into a productive sports life that allowed me to learn how teams work. These life lessons have allowed me to be a leader in my work life. They have informed and guided me as a father to my own children and a as mentor to young men in my community.

I was fortunate to grow up in an era when community values were different. It was not quite the village raising the child notion, but it approached this ideal. I had a mother and a father in my home, and though I didn’t know it at the time, I enjoyed privilege based on how my parents provided for our family and their active involvement in our home.

Notwithstanding the advantages in my home, Coach Franklin looms large, very large, in my development as a man. Integrity was at the core of what he conveyed to us. A consistent and demanding work ethic was expected. He also cared deeply about our academic achievement.

At 48 I am still an athlete. This year I plan to participate in my second 1/2 Ironman triathlon race, and my second and third marathons. In 2011 I plan to do my first full Ironman. If these athletic goals are met, certainly Coach Franklin will deserve some of the credit for having molded my mind and honed my discipline.

A scripture from Proverbs comes to mind when I reminisce of this man’s contribution to my life, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17). Jeni, thanks for illuminating Varryl Franklin’s long and distinguished career for your readers. We should all be as committed in sharpening one another.

Frank Wilson IV
Millwood Class of 1980
Chicago, Illinois

By: monty hedgepeth

monty hedgepeth — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:58:07 +0000

he is by far the the leader in molding young men that he teaches. i for on am very fortuniate that i spent 3 years of my life under his guidence. at the time, i did not like it but, it has always helped me in my adult life all the lessions that i learned. Thanks “CHOP”

By: VERAN

VERAN — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:21:35 +0000

A WONDERFUL ARTICLE… THERE IS NO WAY MANY OF US COULD THANK HIM ENOUGH FOR PROVIDING A POSITIVE MODEL FOR OUR YOUNG MEN TO EMULATE… THAT IS WHAT HE DID FOR ALL FIVE OF MY CHILDREN (BOYS AND GIRLS) THEIR (15)COUSINS AND UNNUMBERD FRIENDS… MR FRANKLIN AND HIS FATHER WHO GAVE MORE THAN HIS TIME AS A CITY FIREMAN TO THE KIDS OF HIS NEIGHBORHOOD AND HIS SAINTED MOTHER (AN EDUCATOR TO HER PURE HEART)ARE THE KINDS OF PEOPLE THE CITY OF OKC NEEDS MORE OF… THEY ARE “THE VILLAGE” THAT NURTURES THE FUTURE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN OUR MIDST… GOD BLESS THE FRANKLINS

By: Renee

Renee — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:02:41 +0000

You deserve a “Pat on the Back”
What a Wonderful Interview. I am a parent, and can say
He is truly a Blessing to have and know as a coach, “who models out to young men that GOD has set a standard”, in showing integrity and value for one self one another. I enjoy the all the Coaching Staff at MillWood.

By: Don Dodd

Don Dodd — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:35:21 +0000

Jenni,
I thoroughly enjoyed your article about V.R. Franklin. His name has always been synonymous with winner and his teams have always performed at the highest level. He no doubt has been a tremendous influence on hundreds of young men during his great career at Millwood. Thanks for sharing his story with the readers.