Francis Poised To Lead Essex The Right Way

Ron Bailey, Publisher

October 4, 2008 – Last year, the CCBC Essex Knights (the school commonly known as Essex Community College) had a challenging season, one in which the team did not complete its slate of games. As the saying goes, ‘that’s not a good look’, particularly for a respected member of the Community College of Baltimore County system, and one that plays in the challenging Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference.

Not surprisingly, a coaching change was made. Up stepped, Mike Francis.

Why would a successful, 17 year high school coach (10 and seven as head coach and assistant, respectively) at Anne Arundel County, MD’s North County High School decide to move on - particularly a guy who after four years of taking over that program had equaled the school’s victory total (52) of 10 years prior to his arrival? Why would a man who also proved himself a great AAU/travel team coach with First Baptist, helping guide and develop the hoops careers of a number of college student athletes, leave all that?

“I always wanted to be a college coach” shared Francis at a recent Hoop Magic Sports Academy coaching clinic. “I’ve always told kids to set goals, and being a college coach was a goal of mine”.

CCBC Essex’s Athletic Director, Marc Ershler when asked what he saw in Francis, was resolute in the decision. “There are a couple of things we knew Mike offered” said Ershler, a five year veteran of CCBC Essex who has spent a total of 12 years in the CCBC system, in both administrative and coaching capacities. “He has great experience with high school and AAU basketball, organizational skills and interpersonal skills. Mike also focuses on the total student athlete”.

Ershler and CCBC Essex are committed to Francis' success, as organizational support has been provided, of which Francis noted “It’s been great, they’ve given me everything I asked for”; including allowing the outside events to use the school’s facilities, with fundraising benefits accruing to the program.

Francis is flanked by Erik Larson (left) and dorian Fullilove (right) at a coaching clinic. The staff has been, as the saying goes, 'grinding'. .

“We try and do that for all our programs” said Ershler of the institutional support provided Francis. “Except anytime we have a new coach, we devote more time to help that coach understand the framework of not only CCBC, but the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association and Maryland Junior College Athletic Association”.

Initial reviews suggest Francis is just the man for this task, as he’s shown drive and energy from day one, including recruiting well despite continuing his employment at North County as the school’s registrar (that drive will also be needed during the season, as Francis must leave the high school and immediately travel to Essex for practice).

“We’ve brought in 12 guys” shared Francis, who has tapped into not only surrounding Maryland communities, but also other locales, including New Jersey. Names such as Surratsville High School’s Jamal Brown – one of the best scoring guards in the Washington area last year – and David Ford – a rugged, athletic player from Anne Arundel County – along with Towson Catholic’s Ronald Nicholson are surely recognized by those in the Baltimore/DC area.

Expect the CCBC Essex Knights to be very competitive, in short order. Nevertheless, the school has a much more holistic vision, one Ershler the A.D. revealed when saying “We want to build a program that is a complete program; one that succeeds off the court as well as in basketball”.

Francis is already a step ahead, with mandatory study hall and weekly academic progress reports in place. During the season, if either reveals unsatisfactory scholastic effort, athletic participation will be halted until the student-athlete is back on track.

Many college coaches would not imperil their possible athletic success in an effort to ensure a student-athlete’s long term success. But then again, Mike Francis is not your ordinary coach.

Watch out MDJUCO and NJCAA Divison II schools, Francis and the Knights are coming at you.