I know that some of the readers of the Sports Corner have gone to at least one or two sporting events in which Falcon student/athletes have participated. You probably even know the names of most of the athletes, but what about the coaches? Most parents know the coaches names, but that’s about it. In this edition and probably the next edition of the Sports Corner, we will profile some of the coaches. In this way, maybe, just maybe it will give you some insight into why some of the decisions on and off the court or field are made. If you know a little about their background, what their interests are, etc. it might help us all to be a little more tolerant of their concerns and decisions. Read on!Andy Franco – athletic directorAndy is married to his wife Dana and they have two daughters – Olivia, age 2, and Sophia, age 4. Andy started his post-high school education at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire – where he received his bachelor’s degree in kindergarten through 12th grade art education. He then attended the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, where he earned his master’s in curriculum instruction/leadership.Andy has been in the coaching profession for a total of six years – in Wisconsin and at Falcon High, where he coached wrestling and golf for five years before moving to the position of athletic director this past year. Dana and Andy moved to Colorado in 2002, sans children, where he started working at Falcon Elementary. They moved to colorful Colorado because of job opportunities, and they got hooked on the area. Andy enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters; and, of course, still has his interests in the sports venue – golf, hunting, fishing and hiking. Gregg Morris – baseball and boys golf coachGregg is one of two single coaches highlighted in this edition. To get to where he is today, Gregg attended Hastings College, received his bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and went to the University of Phoenix where he obtained his master’s degree in school counseling. Gregg is a relative newcomer in the coaching field. He coached two years at Widefield High School and is currently in his first year at FHS where he coaches baseball and golf. When I asked him why he chose Falcon, he said he had only heard good things about the school and staff, and he had worked for a business in Falcon where he had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people. His hobbies and interests are in the sports field: baseball, golf, playing all sports, fishing, camping and about anything that keeps him active.Mary Ann Wilson – cheer coach and boys track coachMary Ann is the other single coach. She has three grown children – one girl and two boys. Mary Ann got her degree from West Texas (State) A&M University. She has been in the coaching profession for 25 years, all at Falcon High. It really doesn’t matter to Mary Ann whether she is inside or outside when she coaches, as she has been the track coach at Falcon for 25 years and the girls cheer squad coach for 24 years. She lives in the district and knows the school, so it is natural for her to be at Falcon High. Mary Ann likes to water and snow ski, work in her garden and spend time with her grandchildren.Shawnte Sloan – softball and girls basketball coachShawnte is married to Sean, and they have no children. She received her associate’s degree from Mesa Community College and her bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. All five of her coaching years have been at Falcon High. There was an opening in her field at Falcon High when she started looking for a job so she applied and was accepted. Her interests and hobbies outside of school include her church, reading and running.Sean Sloan – softball and baseball coachSean makes up the other half of the Shawnte/Sean team. He received his associate’s degree from Mesa Community College and his bachelor’s degree from Kansas Wesleyan University. He has also spent all five of his coaching years at Falcon High. He said that he looks forward to helping teenagers develop into quality members of society. His big thing outside of school is spending quality family time and watching ESPN. For those of us who do not have ESPN, that’s the sports channel.Jason Catron – football coach and girls golf coachJason is married. His wife’s name is Erin, and they are empty nesters. From 1996 to 1999, he attended Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D. Then, from 1999 to 2000, he called Missoula, Mont., his home while he attended the University of Montana. He received his bachelor’s degree in math education in 2002 from the University of Montana – Western, in Dillon, Mont.Jason has been in the coaching profession for seven years, all at Falcon High. He was the assistant football coach for three years and then stepped into the head position, where he has been for four years. The girls have had him as their golf coach for three years. As to why he has spent all of his time at Falcon, Jason said that it was the first opportunity that was available so he took it. He said it has been challenging at times but rewarding as well. He also said he will always remember the players and what each of them brought to the team. As with most coaches, most of his interests are in the sports line: golf, snowboarding, rock concerts and lifting weights.Kristen Ford – girls golf coachKristen Ford is married to Jordan. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from York College. Falcon High has been her place of employment for two years, the same as her coaching career. She said she chose Falcon because they have great staff and students. Kristen likes to play golf and softball in nice weather; and, when it’s powder time in Colorado, it’s ski time in the Rockies.See you at the next Vinnie Mac Sports Corner.This column does not necessarily represent the views of The New Falcon Herald.
