Since Franklin High School athletics’ 2023 fall debut, it has been a season of tremendous effort and achievement across the range of sports offered by the school. Individual athletes set themselves apart, going above and beyond, winning recognition across the district and state. While entire teams, united by shared ambition and committed practice, also reached great heights, building upon the legacies of past years. Franklin’s fall sports teams; men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s football, women’s volleyball, and cheer, have a lot to be proud of after hard-fought seasons. Likewise, the school community should be inspired and encouraged by what this season’s teams have brought to the table, and optimistic for what the winter and spring sports seasons will bring.
One of the greatest accolades a Portland Public Schools (PPS) athlete can earn is the distinction of “first team” or “second team.” These titles recognize some of the best and most promising athletes from every sport by the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL). This season, Franklin athletes were included on the first team lists in all but one sport, with their presence still shown on the second team list. Some teams, such as men’s cross country, had an especially impressive showing on first and second teams, with over half of the first team being made up of Franklin runners. Women’s cross country also had an admirable showing, with over half of the second team being made up of Franklin runners. Other individual awards given out by the district include the prestigious player of the year awards; Franklin’s Will Reid was awarded the “offensive player of the year” award for his performance this season.
In addition to individual recognition, Franklin teams placed highly both during and after the season, with four of Franklin’s seven fall varsity teams making it past the regular season and onto either state or the playoffs. Franklin men’s football, after a strong season, finished off in the first round of the playoffs. Franklin’s men’s soccer team very impressively made it as far as the quarter finals of state, and rounded out their season ranked eighth in the state (the highest of any PIL teams ranked by the OSAA). Aidan MacLowry, a varsity player for the men’s soccer team, reflected on this season, saying, “This season was very successful and I think the team feels accomplished with our performance. Our record of 12-4-2 shows how hard the team worked for each other …we also showed up big time at home games, not having lost a single game on the home turf.” MacLowry added, “it was a fantastic season to end on for us seniors.”
The women’s cross country team had an equally amazing end to their season, finishing ninth at state, and second in the PIL. Men’s cross country took first in state after very impressive performances at the top of the league all season, taking third at regionals. Rowan Horner, a runner on the men’s cross country team, said that, “Preparing for state took all of high school really. The sustained training made us what we were and no one on the team got there easily. I think the top six were all running at least 80 miles a week over the summer and throughout the season. Training with a group like that is what gave us the opportunity to win.” Horner added that, “Winning state really is the best senior send off I could ever have asked for.”
The many awards and distinctions won by Franklin’s athletic teams this season is certainly a noteworthy and significant achievement for the school. However, sports in many ways transcend external recognition. Participating in sports pushes us to grow, and to reach out to our community — both to those cheering from the sidelines and stands, and also the teammates who come out everyday for games and practices. Ella Callanan, a Franklin women’s soccer and PIL first team player, rejoiced in the massive strides the team has made over her four years on the team. “The team has definitely gotten stronger since my freshman year and our record has gotten consistently better as well [freshman year 1-13, senior year 5-7-2]. I feel that each year we have learned to deal with losses better and better; and especially this year, I loved that no matter the outcome of a game we would still continue to show up to practice with our heads high.” Callanan recently committed to University of San Diego to play Division 1 soccer, showing her dedication to the sport and a bright future. Hope Hoesing, a PIL first team player on the women’s volleyball team, expressed pride and gratitude for her team’s performance this season saying, “My favorite parts of Franklin volleyball have always been playing with the best people ever … finishing this season beating Cleveland on senior night is something I will always remember!” The Franklin cheer team also had an amazing fall season, showing up to perform at football games, other fall sports competitions, and playoff games. Their season will continue into the winter where they will perform at basketball games and compete in the OSAA competition. As the season has come to a close, let us recognize the remarkable achievements by all of Franklin’s athletes this fall sports season. Every team showed remarkable commitment that is reflected in the awards granted to individual players, as well as the accolades earned by entire teams. For Franklin seniors who competed, there should be a feeling of immense pride at the culmination of four years of hard work; and for Franklin juniors and underclassmen, there should be excitement for what’s to come.
