Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — The Texas High School Coaches Association has announced its Hall of Honor Class of 2026, and among those being remembered and celebrated is the late Mike Hedrick, a name that means a great deal to Franklin and to Texas high school football. Hedrick’s coaching career stretched across 44 years, a span defined by consistency, commitment and a genuine love for the game and the players who lined up under his guidance. By the time he stepped away, he had earned 307 wins, but those numbers only tell part of the story. A Franklin native, Hedrick returned to coach at his alma mater, where he helped shape generations of young athletes and led the Lions to the school’s first appearance in a state championship game in 2015. There was something especially meaningful about the way Hedrick’s career came full circle. He finished coaching on the field named after his father, Joe Hedrick, who had once coached Mike himself as a running back for the Lions. It was a family legacy woven directly into the fabric of the program, one built on shared time, hard work and pride in Franklin football. Over the years, Hedrick’s teams captured 26 district championships and made regular trips deep into the playoffs, earning a reputation for being disciplined, prepared and tough to beat. Just as important, he was known for the steady presence he provided on the sidelines and in the lives of his players, many of whom carried his lessons far beyond the football field. Hedrick passed away last November at the age of 75. His induction into the Hall of Honor serves as a fitting tribute, not only to a successful coach, but to a mentor and hometown figure whose impact is still felt throughout the community.