When it comes to football, these two guys seem to know the secret. Quincy Dickens and Thom Francis have been the fixtures in Gurdon Peewee program for three years. “I’ve always been passionate about football and wanted to help give that same passion to the kids,” said Dickens, “The high school team has seen a decline in players so I thought if I got kids started earlier they would stick with it.”
In 2007, Dickens volunteered to be the coach for the Gurdon Peewee group, but it was soon clear that it was a much bigger job then he could handle alone and the teams would need to be split into two teams. That’s when he ran into Sandra Francis and asked her if she thought her husband Thom would like to coach a second team. She said sure feeling confident that her husband would agree. “She got me into it and I’ve loved every minute. These kids are wonderful and all the parents have been too,” said Francis.
So for three years Dickens and Francis have led Gurdon’s very successful pee wee program. Each year both teams, the third and fourth grade and the fifth and six grade have gotten even better. Every season has been a winning season for Gurdon and this year both teams went undefeated.
“It’s all about motivation. These kids don’t really know losing, they practice hard and play hard.” said Francis.
Both Dickens and Francis have a love for the game as well as for their community that keeps them coming back each year. Dickens played all during school and played for 2 ½ years in the Marine Corp. Dickens lives in Gurdon with his wife Wanda and two children Malik and Quashai. It’s that same love for the game that made Dickens want to go back to school at Henderson to become a coach.
Francis who also resides in Gurdon with his wife Sandra said it’s the full support of his wife and the great group of kids he gets to work with that makes it all worth it.
Both coaches agree that the secret to success is practice. “You have to keep a kid motivated to want to play.” Said Francis and on our teams everyone plays. When you know your going to play you learn and try harder.”
The coaches’ first groups of boys are now team members of the Gurdon 7th grade team which had an impressive year.
One thing is for sure, these coaches both have the understanding of the game and a vision for the kids within their community that makes them great. “We want to make sure Gurdon can offer these kids the same programs you could find anywhere else,” said Francis.
“If this is any indication where Gurdon Football is heading, then the its going to get better,” added Dickens.
