RYAN DUNNING28
Special to the Leader
“My freshman year of high school I was a hurdler, but I saw people leaving practice to go on runs. I wanted to leave and not practice, so I started running distance. It was awful,” said Ethan Francis.
This is how he recalls the moment he began his career in distance running.
Francis, who is in his final season with the Blue Devil cross country team this Fall, has come a long way from his humble beginnings. Since coming to Fredonia, Francis has worked his way up the ladder, earning his spot as team captain and the respect of his teammates.
“He’s a good role model to the team,” said sophomore teammate Matt Erman. “He’s always trying to push us as hard as he can, pumping us up for the next rep.”
The weight of his position at the helm of the team hasn’t gotten to Francis’ head.
“It doesn’t change the way I act, and I just want to set a good example. It’s a great chance for me to steer the team in the right direction before I graduate,” said the cross country captain.
His honors on the course are as impressive as his role in the locker room. At last year’s SUNYAC Championships, he secured his spot among the conference’s best, earning the title of SUNYAC Hall of Famer. To earn this accolade, one must finish in the top-5 once, the top-10 twice, or the top-15 three times.
For Francis to earn this as a junior is an impressive feat. But he isn’t finished yet. As this year’s season progresses, Francis has his eyes set on the top.
“[Winning the SUNYAC championship] is definitely one of my top goals. I think I definitely have a shot, and there’s no point in counting myself out until the race is over,” said Francis.
He will get a chance to make this dream a reality on Oct. 27, right here in Fredonia.
“I think there’s no better way to go out than on top, especially at home,” said Francis.
Even with all of his impressive accomp-lishments in sports, Francis has strayed far from the “dumb athlete” stereotype. Last year, Francis earned the SUNYAC scholar athlete of the year award, which is given to the athlete with the highest GPA who also displays athletic excellence in their field.
He earned this achievement while balancing his dual majors: video production and political science.
“When I was applying to colleges, I was either going to go for television production or international relations, both of which really interested me,” said Francis. “I initially chose video production, but as I went through my freshman year, I realized I would have more than enough time for both.”
Francis winning this award would be of no surprise to his professors.
Mark Kiyak, head of the communication department at Fredonia, had a lot of high praise for Francis.
“He’s highly intelligent. He’s creative, and you can tell he has leadership qualities,” said Kiyak.
After graduating, Francis plans on going right back into the fray.
“I plan on applying to law school this year,” he said.
Although his plans for the future aren’t in the field of video production, Francis is still making an impact within that field here at Fredonia.
He is the general manager of the TV station on campus.
“It’s pretty cool. I enjoy working with everyone on the different shows,” said Francis.
He also produces one of the longer running shows the TV station has had. Titled “Fred Before Bed,” the show is a talk show hosted by Francis himself.
“It’s a place for the different clubs and teams and musicians to come and showcase their stuff,” he said.
“Fred Before Bed” aires Wednesday nights on cable channel 8, WNYF TV.
Those that work with him at the station have a great understanding of what the show and Francis himself have done for the program.
“This past year, the TV station has been at its best quality in years,” said Patrick Ryan, who works with Francis on “Fred Before Bed.” “He brings a certain element of teamwork and energy that wasn’t there before. It’s a fun environment, but also an environment where things get done.”