Franklin Regional is known for its excellence in academics, but athletics also plays a major role in many students’ day to day lives.
The stereotypical athlete is not what you will find here at Franklin, especially among an elite group known as the Panther Pride.
“Our athletes do more than just play sports, they are good people as well,” said Zach Kessler, athletic director at the high school.
This important, but rather unknown, up and coming group at Franklin includes two of the best leaders from every sports team.
“A junior and senior are taken from each sports team,” said Kessler. “These aren’t necessarily the best players or stars, but those who have the ability to lead their team.”
“It must start with the coaches, they know these athletes best, in a setting which we don’t see them,” said high school principal, Tina Burns.
The members, totaling 44, are recommended by coaches and approved by Kessler, as well as Burns.
“Mrs. Burns helped me to make sure I not only had good athletes but good students as well,” Kessler stated.
“Mr. Kessler and I are on the same page about everything, including the Panther Pride,” said Burns.
The purpose of the group is clearly expressed in their mission statement, which opening line states: “To participate; to learn; to improve; to excel; to compete.”
In simple terms, among setting a good example for athletes, the Panther Pride serves as a spirit club.
The Positive Coaching Alliance, or PCA, was the inspiration behind the Panther Pride, the PCA was a program adopted by the district which required coaches, and administrators, and even some student athletes to be trained in positive coaching and leading methods.
“The PCA taught us to use a different philosophy where everyone is a model of good sportsmanship,” said Burns.
This group, although just in its early stages, is surprisingly organized; their first meeting took place last spring and since then they have met a few more times according to Kessler.
The Panther Pride, also known as P² to some of its members, was the orchestrator of the pep rally which took place outside earlier in the school year.
Two members, Marco Lodivico and Nick Novak, led the energetic pep rally.
“The difference between this group and the PCA is that Panther Pride involves the student fans, and that was important to us this year,” said Burns.
Within this prestigious group is an executive council which replaces the president or vice president positions.
This council is made up of four females; Megan Germ, Courtney Manovich, Katie Easterling, and Christine Pellegrino and four males; Garret Laird, Nick Novak, Marco Lodivico and Anthony Vendemia.
“We’re interested in starting to participate in community service as well,” said Kessler.
The Panther Pride is in the process of working with elementary school principals to set up times when panther pride members can teach elementary school students about sportsmanship.
“The Panther Pride is a nice way for student athletes to support other student athletes,” said Easterling.
“At Franklin our athletes and sports are more than a score in the newspaper,” said Kessler.
And with a group like the Panther Pride on the rise, it’s certain that everyone will see more than just excellent players in Franklin’s student athletes.