Manchester’s France represents Ohio at special football event
By Jim THOMAS Repository sports writer
CANTON — Manchester High School head football coach Jim France took one look at
Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and quickly realized the 6-foot-3,
225-pounder was miscast at quarterback.
“I would have used Jim Kelly,” said France, noted for his power running philosophy. “But I would have played him at tackle.”
France was kidding about Kelly, the gunslinging Buffalo Bills quarterback originally sought to play linebacker by Penn State coach Joe Paterno. One thing is for sure: Like Kelly’s own high school coach, France would have played Kelly at linebacker.
For 32 years, France’s philosophy at Manchester has been to stick his best player at linebacker, then running back. It has paid off handsomely for the Panthers, to the tune of 250 victories, 12 PAC-7 titles in 13 years and 12 successive seasons of qualifying for the state playoffs.
For those reasons, along with his dedication to youth and academics — France is Manchester’s principal as well as football coach — France was chosen as Ohio’s delegate to the Youth Football Summit by a statewide panel. The three-day program for educational football seminars at Kent State University Stark Campus is sponsored by the NFL.
France said he stumbled upon this opportunity.
“I saw something about it on the Internet,” said France, who completed an online essay as part of the application. “I thought it was something that would be fun to do. In a weak moment, I did it.”
After he was contacted by the NFL, France said he was humbled by his selection to represent the state and its coaches.
“It’s quite an honor to be chosen — I must have been the only one who turned one in,” joked France, whose 1997 squad lost a five-overtime state title game. “I don’t know how many were turned in. I almost didn’t send mine in, but I’m glad I did.
“Everything here has been great. I’ve met some guys from all around. We’ve talked football — nothing too serious — and shared some stories. The speakers have been great. I’m looking forward to going to the Enshrinement (today). I’ve never done that. I think it will be fun.”
The only bad thing about the short vacation is not sleeping in his own bed.
“When I got a call from the NFL, they sent me some airplane tickets. I thought I was going to California or someplace,” joked France. “But I live 15 minutes away in Uniontown. I think it’s funny. I drive 15 minutes to Fairlawn to the hotel, then get on a bus that takes 30 minutes to get here.
“But to get this chance to be here, that’s fine with me.”