Hedrick honored among Texas coaching greats
The late Coach Mike Hedrick, was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor on Saturday in Houston. Hedrick won 307 games during his 44-year coaching career.
Submitted Photo | Robertson County News
Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News HOUSTON — Mike Hedrick spent more than four decades coaching Texas high school football, but his impact went far beyond the wins. On Saturday, the late former Franklin head coach was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor during the organization’s 66th annual banquet at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Hedrick was one of seven coaches selected for the 2026 class. A Franklin native, Hedrick finished his 44-year head coaching career with a record of 307-163-11. He became just the 11th coach in Texas history to reach 300 victories. His career included stops at Chapel Hill and Leon before he returned home to lead the Franklin Lions in 2006. Over the next 14 seasons, Hedrick guided Franklin to a 129-40 record and nine district championships. The biggest moment came in 2015, when the Lions went undefeated through the first 15 games and reached the state championship for the first time in school history. Franklin finished that season 15-1 after falling to Waskom, 33-21, in the Class 3A Division II title game at NRG Stadium. Current Franklin head coach Mark Fannin was by Hedrick’s side during that run and later succeeded him following his retirement in 2019. Fannin said the joy Hedrick showed during that season is something he will always remember. “Seeing the excitement on his face, that will live with me for a lifetime,” Fannin said. Hedrick also had a deep connection to Franklin football long before becoming its head coach. He played running back and quarterback for the Lions under his father, Joe Hedrick, and later coached on the field that bears his father’s name. Hedrick died in November 2024 at age 75. His Hall of Honor induction placed him among the most respected coaches in Texas high school athletics while giving Franklin another chance to remember a coach who helped shape generations of players, assistants and families.
Baseball crowds set to fill Franklin
Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — Franklin is preparing for a busy four-day stretch as two large Five Tool baseball tournaments bring players, coaches and families to town from Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26. The Five Tool Texas 15U World Series and the Five Tool Texas Franklin Showdown will be played at Franklin Ranch Community Park. The World Series currently has about 20 teams registered, while the Franklin Showdown will feature teams in the 16U and 17U/18U divisions. With more than 20 teams expected to participate, the tournaments could bring hundreds of visitors into Franklin throughout the weekend. Many families will arrive Wednesday evening or early Thursday and remain in the area until their team finishes play. The increased number of visitors is expected to keep Franklin’s hotels busy, with some families potentially staying in nearby communities if local rooms fill. Restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and other businesses could also see additional customers between games. Teams are guaranteed at least four games, meaning many families will spend several days in the area rather than traveling to Franklin for only one afternoon. Visitors will likely be looking for places to eat breakfast before early games, grab lunch between contests and sit down for dinner after play ends. Traffic may also be heavier than usual along Farm-to-Market Road 46 and the routes leading to Franklin Ranch. Residents should expect more vehicles near the park, particularly during the morning arrival periods and as games finish throughout the day. Both tournaments will begin with pool play before the top teams advance into bracket competition. Championship games are expected to be played Sunday. Beyond the competition on the field, the tournaments will give Franklin an opportunity to welcome visitors who may be experiencing the community for the first time. For local businesses, the four-day event could mean a noticeable increase in hotel stays, restaurant traffic and spending throughout town.
Franklin bands return to state
Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — Months of rehearsals and hard work paid off once again for Franklin’s band students. Both the Franklin Middle School and Franklin High School bands advanced to the state level of the Outstanding Performance Series, making it the second year in a row that both groups have earned a spot in the statewide competition. The middle school band advanced with its UIL recording of “Autumn Fanfare” by Mekel Rogers, while the high school band moved on with its performance of Johnnie Vinson’s march “Grand Galop.” The Outstanding Performance Series gives bands the chance to compete using recordings from their UIL performances. The recordings are judged at the region and area levels before the top performances advance to state. Franklin Middle School’s recording went on to finish seventh in the state’s Class 1C concert division. Reaching the state level is a major honor, especially for two Franklin bands to accomplish it in back-to-back years. The achievement reflects the time students spent rehearsing, learning their music and working together throughout the school year. State judging was held during the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio. For Franklin’s band students and directors, the recognition was a fitting end to a successful year and another proud moment for the school’s growing music program.
