Clarion Athletics

Employed at Clarion University from 1967 to 1986 and an athletic administrator from 1969 to 1986, Fran was instrumental in the development of Clarion athletics and the women’s athletic program. In 1969 she was named the women’s A.D. of the newly organized women’s intercollegiate sports programs and helped the program take flight. Volleyball and swimming teams began play in 1970, while basketball, gymnastics, softball, tennis, track and field and cross country followed. She coached volleyball from 1970 to 1974. In 1975 Fran was named Associate A.D. and remained in that capacity until her retirement in 1986. Clarion claimed eight Division II women’s swimming national championships, two Division I women’s gymnastics national titles and countless PSAC. ECAC, and NAIA honors during her tenure. Clarion’s men’s programs also had storied tradition buoyed by her contributions.

Fran was devoted to Clarion and the PSAC. She was president of the PSAC in 1982-83, President of the Women’s Division in 1981-82 and on the PSAC President’s Committee on title IX from 1977 to 1980. Voted by the Clarion Chamber of Commerce as “Citizen of the Year” in 1980, she was honored by the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce in 1988 for “Outstanding Contributions to Women’s Athletics”. She also earned the Distinguished Service Award from Tri-State in 1987 and was inducted into the West Chester Hall of Fame in 1989. Fran is currently a member of the Clarion Area School board. A native of New Bloomfield, Pa., and a 1950 graduate of New Bloomfield High School, she is a 1954 graduate of West Chester and was employed at Clarion Area High School from 1955-66 before coming to Clarion University.