Legendary Sidney Athletic Coach Fran Redmond Dies At 88

Fran began his athletic career playing high school sports in Walton, NY and in 1949 he began his career in The Sidney Central School system. He taught Physical Education, Health Education, coached football, basketball and track. He also started and coached the wrestling program. Throughout his career he served as the district's Athletic Director as well as High School Assistant Principal.

During his 31 years in the Sidney School District, he was involved in many organizations that supported and promoted student athletics. He served as the Athletic Secretary for the Susquenango League for 20 years. He was the Susquenango representative to Section IV for 20 years and President of Section IV Athletics for 3 years. Fran was one of only two people who served as President for 3 years.

For 18 years he served as Director of the Sidney Summer Recreation Commission Program. In 1968, the Governor appointed Fran to develop and direct 5 summer camps from Buffalo to Albany. This was under the NYS Division for Youth. It was designed to provide an outdoor experience for economically disadvantaged youth.

I knew Fran Redmond on a personal level for more than forty years.  He was a real stand up guy and his passing will be mourned by his neighbors and colleagues as well as the hundreds of young men (like me) whose lives he touched over the years in so many ways.

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