Coach Richard Francis graduated from Choate School in 1952. He played football for the CCA (Third Armored Division) in Germany in 1956 and was on the football, track, and baseball teams at Wesleyan University, graduating in 1958 with a degree in psychology.

Coach Francis is the past president of the Western New England Preparatory School Athletic Association, New England Preparatory School Athletic Council, and Western Mass chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.

As Williston Northampton’s coach and the school’s athletic director, Coach Francis led the football program to a 165-148-7 record, including undefeated seasons in 1963 and 1981, and also led boys basketball to a 176-159-1 record.

Watch Bob Couch’s introduction to Rick Francis

Watch Rick Francis’ speech upon his induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame