By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Family, friends and colleagues turned out in full force Thursday at the offices of the Kansas State High School Activities Association to honor longtime KSHSAA assistant executive director Francine Martin, who is retiring after 19 years with the organization and 38 years as an educator.
Retiring KSHSAA assistant executive director Francine Martin visits with well-wishers during Thursday's retirement reception at the KSHSAA offices. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Retiring KSHSAA assistant executive director Francine Martin speaks during Thursday's retirement reception. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I am very humbled by the outpouring of support and the best wishes that everybody has given me as I enter another phase of my life,'' Martin said.
A graduate of Clay Center High School, Hutchinson Community College, Nebraska-Omaha and Kansas State (Master's Degree) Martin had teaching, coaching and administrative stints at LaCrosse, El Dorado and Seaman before joining KSHSAA in 2004.
During her time at KSHSAA Martin served as the administrator for cross country, basketball, baseball, softball as well as officials liaison.
"I've been fortunate in my career to have many good mentors and colleagues and there's no way I can thank every one,'' Martin said. "You just need to know how much you are appreciated. It's been an honor and a privilege to serve in this role. I'm proud of all we have accomplished together.''
KSHSAA executive director Bill Faflick praised Martin for her service to KSHSAA and the state.
"Fran's never met a rule she didn't want to follow,'' Falick said. "She was made for this work and I believe that. She was made to do the work of high school activities.
"This young lady knows so much about this organization and the people that have worked across this great state of Kansas. That's hard to replace.''
Faflick said it was no suprise to see the big crowd that packed the KSHSAA board room for Thursday's reception.
"The true Francine is one that people show up for because she's shown up for them,'' Faflick said. "We're always impressed by the impact you had on others. If I'm looking for someone to do a job I can look to Fran Martin because she'll do it.
"School activities change lives and Fran Martin is part of that and we are so appreciative of that. You've been a great teammate in this office and to the schools across Kansas.
We're simply better because of your efforts.''
