SPORTS Friday, January 3, 2020 | kenoshanews.com | SECTION C

COMME NTAry Well worth the wait Central Franz takes over spent last year cially was offered. with Central as At that very moment, Franz If you go‌ Central football the defensive line said he was almost speechless. coach. “It’s been an interesting jour- What: Meet-and-greet with new Central football coach hits its DAN TRUTTSCHEL Central athletic ney to get to this point,” he said. [email protected]‌ director Jon Lindh “Two years ago, if you had said Jared Franz ‌In a perfect world, a person’s said it became I’d be the head coach at Central, When: Monday, 6 p.m. journey to success follows a clear that Franz, I would have said, ‘No way, you straight path. Franz 35, was a perfect have the wrong guy.’ Where: Central All-Purpose target Of course, the world is far from fit for the job. “... It all happens, I guess for Room perfect. “The interview committee a reason. ... Every emotion you Who: The event is open to all t didn’t take me long to real- And in Jared Franz’s case, his had a number of qualified candi- could expect to have, excitement, current and future players ize that Jared Franz would be path wasn’t just curvy, it had dates to select from,” Lindh said. anticipation, nervousness (I’ve and their parents ‌Ia head football coach at some many forks in it until recently “However, Coach Franz stood had). I think fear of failure is a point in his high school career. when the longtime Wilmot foot- out from the other candidates good thing.” Sometimes, you can just tell. ball assistant coach landed his who were interviewed based While Central has struggled and his staff did in that area. So it wasn’t a surprise at all first head job at the helm of the on his knowledge of the game, on the field to a 21-69 record the “There’s really great kids (in when Central athletic director Central program. dedication to the Westosha Fal- past 10 years and just one post- the program),” he said. “The Jon Lindh reached out to me Franz replaces Tyson Mengel, con Youth Football Program and season berth in 2010 when it was character piece is there. We have this week to tell me that Franz who resigned at the end of the his investment in the Westosha 6-4, Franz said there are pieces to build off that.” had been chosen to replace for- 2019 season. Central community.” in place to get the train on the The fact that Franz, who mer coach Tyson Mengel at the After 12 years at all levels with And even after confidently right track. teaches social studies at Cen- helm of the program. Wilmot — minus 2016 when he getting through two interviews And that starts with the char- tral, inherits several completed And it’s going to be a fit the took a season off to pursue an for the head job, he still was un- acter of the team, which Franz kids, parents administration degree — Franz certain until the position offi- said is a credit to what Mengel Please see FRANZ, Page C3 and entire Cen- tral community definitely will be pleased with. OREGON 28, WISCONSIN 27 My relation- ship with Franz DAN dates back to our TRUTTSCHEL time together as assistant coaches with the Wilmot football program several years ago. After a couple seasons with the freshmen, I was moved up to coach the varsity defensive line when he took over as the coordinator. And let me say this: Nobody I’ve ever coached with paid more attention to detail than he did when it came to film work, to making sideline adjustments, to the teaching of the game. That’s not in any way a slight to the other coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with, but more of a tip of the hat to Jared and his skills as a football coach. In fact, sometimes his brain moved too fast for mine to pro- cess. We had several conver- sations over the headsets that usually ended with me asking for a repeat of his instructions. That’s just how quickly he could see things as they devel- oped at any given moment. Naturally, when you work closely together over the grind of a football season, you learn AP PHOTO‌S a lot about that person — and Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan hands off to running back Jonathan Taylor during the second half of the Rose Bowl Wednesday against Oregon. aside from just his skills as a coach, Franz is all about one thing. And that’s the kids he teaches UW left looking and coaches. for answers He pushes them beyond Loss a tough lesson where they ever thought they could go. He’ll be supportive, COLTEN BARTHOLOMEW but he’s not afraid to get after LEE ENTERPRISES‌ them if needed. They are teen- ‌PASADENA, Calif. — Frus- age boys, after all. tration was just one of the many Who can argue that demo- emotions hanging in the air graphic sometimes needs a lit- of the University of Wiscon- tle tough love? sin football team’s locker room At his core, Franz is a social Wednesday night. studies teacher and a good one The Badgers knew their mis- at that. When he was on the takes were more responsible for verge of losing that position at their 28-27 loss to Oregon in the Wilmot in the spring because Rose Bowl than anything the of a drop in enrollment, he Ducks did schematically. Nine reached out to me to keep my penalties deflated UW at times, eyes open for a new opportu- and the four turnovers the Bad- nity. gers (10-4) committed gave Ore- Of course, I was more than gon (12-2) all the ammo it needed willing to do that for a for- to come away with a win. mer coaching colleague and a “Obviously we made a bunch friend. of mistakes and didn’t play our But I also knew it wouldn’t best,” junior quarterback Jack take but a second for him to Coan said. land on his feet. But in that mix of emotions And ironically enough, it there also was joy and appreci- happened at the Panthers’ ation. The Badgers know what nearby and forever rival just they experienced Wednesday seven miles away. and throughout the week in Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor runs past Oregon cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. during the second Hey, life sometimes works in Southern California will stay half of the Rose Bowl on Wednesday. mysterious ways. But it’s all for with them going forward. the best. “Obviously, coming off on a mosphere itself, you’ve got to It took one of the Badgers’ a team-high eight tackles and an Where one opportunity win would be absolutely different appreciate that, too. If you keep sloppiest games of the season to interception in the game. closed at Wilmot, Franz told emotion. But you’ve got to have looking down, you’re never going lose by a point against a top-tier Sophomore tight end Jake Fer- me during our New Year’s Day … you’re going to go through to see what’s in front of you.” opponent. guson — who had four catches interview over coffee, another some ups and downs, that’s just The loss snapped UW’s streak While it might take a while for 44 yards, including a 22-yard one opened up. life itself. Football’s a beautiful of five consecutive bowl wins, for UW players to see this loss catch that proved to be UW’s And he couldn’t be happier to game. For what it’s given me, but it also showed that the pro- through those rose-colored second-longest play of the game be where he’s at. He has a fresh it’s unreal, it’s so much. I think gram had taken a big step for- glasses, the team’s young lead- — had similar thoughts. start, a chance to build some- you’ve got to be able to appre- ward after a disappointing 2018 ers like sophomore linebacker “We’re never going to have the thing with his own two hands ciate it in the tough times and season. Jack Sanborn already know this same team again. The older guys, and do what he loves, and that’s how far you’ve come and how The Badgers’ defense in the will only continue propelling the I know they have a sour taste in teaching and coaching football. far you’ve bought into this sports Rose Bowl controlled the line of Badgers forward. their mouth, it’s not the way we I can’t even hold a grudge for itself and to this team. That goes scrimmage against a strong of- “It’s going to just fuel us in wanted to end it,” Ferguson said. the one day while I was running beyond everything,” junior cen- fensive line, didn’t allow Oregon the offseason. We expect to be “This offseason, (we’ll) work out the defensive linemen through ter Tyler Biadasz said. quarterback Justin Herbert — a in these types of games at Wis- the chutes that Jared did his “I’m just so proud of our guys. likely first-round draft pick — consin, next year we’re expect- Please see BADGERS, Page C2 best Brett Favre impersonation Sometimes smiling is not the to get comfortable throwing the ing no different. We just have and tried to throw a football in worst thing in the world. Even ball, and UW’s offense showed to put the work in to be back in my general direction. our fans, too, they come travel, it could withstand momentum these big games and when we get „„Inside: Badgers waste big He nearly hit his mark next to

M it’s almost like a home game. It changes with a pair of long scor- there, we’ve just got to finish,” opportunity with uncharacteristic 1 was a beautiful sight, the at- ing drives in the second half. said Sanborn, who finished with mistakes. Page C2. Please see TRUTTSCHEL, Page C3 Kenosha News SPORTS Friday, January 3, 2020 | C3 COMMENTARY The 2010s were best of times for Cubs, worst of times for Sox he 2010s wasn’t the greatest decade in Cubs history in ‌Tterms of winning percentage, though it certainly felt that way for most Cubs fans, most of whom weren’t around in the 1930s, the last time they PAUL SULLIVAN played as well over a 10-year stretch. And while it might not have been the worst decade in White Sox history, the Sox’s .459 winning percentage in the 2010s was as bad as most of their fans have experienced and the worst for the franchise since the ’30s, when they won at a pal- try .446 clip. AP FILE PHOTOS Where the Cubs and Sox will Left: The Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo, right, and Kris Bryant celebrate after a victory over the Cardinals clinched the 2017 NL Central Division title. The Cubs go in the 2020s is anyone’s guess, were the defending World Series champions at the time. Right: White Sox broadcaster Ken “The Hawk” Harrelson waves to White Sox players and but here’s a look at what Chicago coaches after a game against the Cubs on Sept. 23, 2018, his final broadcast for the White Sox. baseball fans experienced over the last 10 years and what lies ahead in the World Series, there was also By the decade aughts. Wrigley Field survived the Hahn will be around for most of the next decade: the “Schwarbomb” from Kyle decade intact, albeit with some the decade, but the big question Schwarber that landed on top of SOX drastic cosmetic surgery, including is whether manager Rick Rent- What Sox fans will the video board during the 2015 Decade Wins Losses Pct. the video board that ended the eria can hang on if the Sox don’t remember NLDS clincher over the Cardinals 1900s 744 575 .564 “Old Wrigley” era. Amazingly, climb to respectability this year. and that earned a plexiglass cover 1910s 798 692 .536 the Rickettses have so far declined It wouldn’t be surprising to see Only an absurdist novelist as if it were a moon rock. Jake 1920s 731 804 .476 to sell naming rights to Wrigley. Jose Abreu as the Sox manager in could invent the goings on at 35th Arrieta’s dominance in the 2015 1930s 678 841 .446 Can that last another decade? the late 2020s, even with an inter- and Shields in the 2010s. The turnaround season. Maddon’s 1940s 707 820 .463 President Crane Kenney gave up preter by his side. That’s assuming Ozzie Guillen-Ken Williams feud theme trips. “Try Not to Suck.” 1950s 847 693 .550 a share of his power when Theo Paul Konerko doesn’t want to that led to Guillen’s departure to They’ll probably forget much of 1960s 852 760 .529 Epstein became president of base- return to the game by then, as he Miami. The disastrous signings the first half of the decade, in- 1970s 752 853 .469 ball operations in 2011, but Kenney would be an obvious choice as a of the two free-agent Adams — cluding the lost year of the Mike 1980s 758 802 .486 succeeded in his vision to mod- future Sox manager. The educated Dunn and LaRoche — and the Quade era. But we can’t forget 1990s 816 735 .526 ernize Wrigley Field and deliver his guess is Don Cooper will still be addition of teenager Drake LaRo- Carlos Zambrano’s explosions or 2000s 857 764 .529 oft-cited “wheelbarrows of cash” around as Sox pitching coach at che to the clubhouse that led to John Lackey’s sneer or the 2015 for new revenue streams. Instead the end of the ’20s, just because. 2010s 743 876 .459 another heated controversy. The opening-night fiasco at Wrigley of complaining the Cubs won’t All time 9,082 8,931 .502 surprising decision to hire Robin Field in which bathroom issues led spend, fans now wonder why the What to expect from the Ventura as manager and the not- some fans to treat the ballpark like CUBS billionaire owners won’t go over Cubs in the 2020s so-shocking decision to rebuild an outdoor urinal. Decade Wins Losses Pct. budget to win in 2020. WGN is after four years of diminishing re- 1870s 253 194 .566 gone as a broadcast partner after a There’s no reason a team with turns. The brilliance of Chris Sale What’s the same for the 1880s 691 395 .636 lifetime of televising Cubs games, the Cubs’ resources shouldn’t be on the mound, interrupted briefly Sox since 2010 1890s 711 654 .521 replaced by the much-hyped and able to contend the rest of the de- by the craziness of Sale tearing up 1900s 879 592 .598 still-unaired Marquee Network. cade and win another World Se- uniforms before a game or ripping Pitching coach Don Cooper 1910s 826 668 .553 Notable fan Ronnie “Woo” Wick- ries ring. The so-called “window management over Drake LaRo- remains a constant. He’s a liv- ers is still here, albeit without the of opportunity” should remain 1920s 807 728 .526 che. In the end we’ll remember ing, breathing monument to the amplified, ear-splitting chanting open a few more years, making 1930s 889 646 .579 Tim Anderson’s bat flips, Paul Sox’s status-quo approach to from his glory days of wooing. this offseason a key to the Cubs’ Konerko’s farewell, Jose Abreu’s most personnel decisions. Gen- 1940s 736 802 .479 Murphy’s, Bernie’s and the Cubby future. Theo Epstein is a moti- consistency and Lucas Giolito’s eral manager Ken Williams was 1950s 672 866 .437 Bear are still Wrigleyville pillars, vated architect who hasn’t really remarkable turnaround, along bumped upstairs to executive vice 1960s 735 868 .459 though the competition for pre- begun to make changes outside of with an entire decade of not mak- president, handing Rick Hahn the 1970s 785 827 .487 and postgame drinking options is new manager David Ross and the ing the postseason. reins for the last seven sub-.500 1980s 735 821 .472 much greater than it was a decade coaching staff. Expect a busy start seasons. Chairman Jerry Reins- 1990s 739 813 .476 ago. to 2020. As for the Rickettses, they What Cubs fans will dorf is still in charge, though less 2000s 807 811 .499 aren’t going anywhere soon. The remember talkative and seemingly more 2010s 817 803 .504 What to expect from the four siblings all seem to enjoy the impatient as 2005 gets farther All time 11,082 10,488 .514 Sox in the 2020s family toy just as much as when Where they were, who they away in the rearview mirror. The they bought it in a Sam Zell-or- were with and which loved ones ballpark nickname, “The Cell,” is with no foreseeable solution. You have to believe the Sox will chestrated money dump. Crane they were thinking of on Nov. long gone, replaced by the nick- Hawk Harrelson is gone, but Steve become an annual contender by Kenney, their top adviser, is also 2, 2016, when the Cubs finally name-proof Guaranteed Rate Stone is still around to liven up TV the mid-’20s if Luis Robert, Eloy entrenched and might one day ended the 108-year champion- Field, where the arrow on the logo broadcasts. Jimenez, Michael Kopech, Yoan get his own statue in Gallagher ship drought with their Game 7 was pointing down, an ominous Moncada, Nick Madrigal and Way — if Tom and Todd Ricketts World Series win in Cleveland. sign for the new era. The Sox have What’s the same for the Andrew Vaughn are all together make it happen. Few if any of the Kris Bryant to Anthony Rizzo for yet to post a winning season since Cubs since 2010 and meeting expectations and the current players will be around in the final out. Jason Heyward’s rain the name change. Attendance offseason additions of Yasmani 2029, with the possible exception delay speech. Joe Maddon pulling stabilized a bit during the rebuild Almost no one but the Rick- Grandal and Dallas Keuchel pay of Javier Baez, their next megadeal Kyle Hendricks. Even Rajai Davis’ and should increase after an off- ettses, Pat Hughes and Len Kasper. off. At least one championship candidate. Ronnie Woo will still be home run off Aroldis Chapman, season spending spree. Still, the With veteran bullpen coach Les seems attainable if all goes to plan, here, naturally, just because. the “oh, (bleep)!” moment of lack of many postgame drinking Strode let go after the 2019 sea- though rebuilds are harder than truth to remind Cubs fans noth- and dining options within walk- son, the Cubs waved goodbye to the Astros, Cubs and Royals made Paul Sullivan is a columnist with the ing ever comes easy. Aside from ing distance remains an obstacle their last uniformed link from the it look in the 2010s. GM Rick Chicago Tribune.

Franz said. “On one hand, it being comfortable in every plans to start meeting with the coaches. I learned a Franz was a relief to have to dele- aspect of what the Falcons existing coaches soon to lot (from them). You take Truttschel From C1 gate to other adults. Some- do on the field. see what direction that will something from everybody, From C1 times dealing with adults is And that obviously in- head. good, bad or indifferent. I and important pieces — a harder than working with cludes offense, where did that. It was hard walk- me — but instead was right quality facility, weight room kids. It was fun just focus- he still plans to lean on First opportunity‌ ing away, but the reality is on target with my nose. and a flourishing youth ing on the game. coaches for their help, but Franz got his feet wet in I love coaching. (Leaving) That definitely left an program — should ease the “... I looked at it as an op- he’s definitely going to con- coaching under former Wil- had to be done.” impression to go with transition, he said. portunity to learn. I don’t tinue honing those skills as mot head coach Keith Dea- Even before his time with some spilled blood. “It makes the to-do list a know everything about ev- well. ton in 2007, after he had re- Wilmot, Franz spent a year Every once in a while lot more manageable,” Franz erything. As much as I love “I think as a head coach, sumed his college education as the warehouse manager we’re all off target. But in said. “You have to have the teaching, I love learning. I you have to know both at UW-Parkside. He was at Uline, and that time was this case, Central has hit a X’s and O’s in order. I can took it as a year to kind of sides,” he said. “I know hired as a teacher at Wilmot just as valuable he said, be- bull’s-eye with this hiring. handle that and understand just soak everything in and that’s the side I have the in 2012, where he stayed un- cause he learned skills he Will it lead to immediate that. It’s those other pieces. learn how things were being most to learn. But two years til last year when a drop in later would take with him success on the field? Prob- It’s the making relation- done.” ago, I got inspired to start enrollment put his teaching into the classroom and onto ably not. If we’re being ships with the community, The year with the pro- looking at the offensive side position in jeopardy. the football field. honest, Central’s program it’s the fund-raising aspect gram also gave Franz a close of the ball. So when the chance to “It still impacts me to has really struggled in the (and things like that).” up look at the talent that re- “I knew that if and when I move the seven miles from this day,” Franz said. “Their past decade with just one The Westosha Falcon turns to the Falcons in 2020, wanted to be a head coach, I one Southern Lakes Con- corporate identity of high WIAA playoff appearance. Youth Football Program is in and he’s excited to see how had to do my due diligence. ference team to another expectations and doing ev- Yet I’d be remiss if I the capable hands of Victor the mostly young roster will I feel really good about the presented itself, it was erything the right way, as a didn’t take a moment to and Lisa Nightingale, Franz develop moving forward. (defensive) scheme that I something Franz — whose coach, it was great to be in applaud the efforts of said, and that’s a huge piece “We had a great group know and that I run, but wife, Amy, teaches En- an environment like that for Mengel during his years to the overall puzzle. of kids this year,” Franz (now) when I go to clinics, glish at Central — simply a year.” with the program. “They are just amazing said. “Our senior class was I spend as much or more couldn’t overlook. That certainly was a dif- people who want to help pretty small. On the de- time in offensive meetings “I had to have something Excitement building ficult situation, as the Fal- support the community,” fensive line, there was only as defensive meetings. I that was a little more se- While there’s still months cons oftentimes just were Franz said. “They really player who played signifi- want to know what the of- cure,” said Franz, who grad- to go before the first game — over-matched. It wasn’t spearheaded getting that cant time who is graduat- fensive guys are thinking. uated from Parkside with a and a lengthy laundry list of because of effort, that’s started. It’s been in place ing. Everyone else is coming That paired really well.” degree in political science things to get done — Franz for sure. I had the chance for several years. Their back.” Franz said he doesn’t plan and economics. already is getting excited to cover this past season’s eighth-grade team won a Franz credited current to start from the ground Franz said he’s just as to lead the program when Central-Wilmot game, and championship this year in St. Joseph assistant coach floor on either side of the excited to work under the it counts. just like many years before, that league. Larry Kamin, who was ball, either, as there are el- guidance of District of And success will come in the Falcons fought to the “Their numbers have Wilmot’s defensive coor- ements of what’s been done Westosha Superintendent other ways than just wins end. been growing at a time dinator under former head in the past that will remain. John Gendron, who has on the field, he said. I wasn’t surprised. Re- when a lot of programs are coach Mike Greinke, with But he does want to build thrown his complete sup- “I’m looking forward to gardless of the record, struggling with numbers.” teaching him how to coach on that foundation so that port behind him. providing the kids a great Mengel always had his kids linemen. he and his staff can put their “When you’re inspired by experience,” Franz said. “I prepared and ready to play. Enjoyable transition‌ As a former high school own stamp on the program the person who is leading love the game. It’s provided While the victories cer- Franz made the switch linebacker, he knew then as well. you, it invigorates you and a lot for me, (including) the tainly didn’t come, Mengel from Wilmot’s defensive there was plenty to learn “We’ll work as a staff to makes you want to work friendships you make and deserves a lot of credit for coordinator to Central’s about that position. figure out exactly what the harder,” Franz said. the experiences you have. his efforts as the face of the defensive line coach in “He taught me how to language is,” Franz said. “As While he’s now firmly The game has given me so program. 2019, which certainly was coach defensive line,” Franz much as you want to come entrenched as a Falcon who much. For Franz, now the chal- different. said. “I never played it. He in, rip everything up and will face many of his former “I want the kids at Cen- lenge is to build a winning But at the end of the day, was incredibly important in start fresh, the kids know coaching colleagues once a tral to have as great or program, but that takes he was still doing what terms of teaching me how things. I’d like to build year, Franz still holds many greater experience than time and patience to get he enjoyed, and that was to coach the defensive side off what they know, keep fond memories of his days what I had. That’s what I’m the final product where coaching and teaching the of the ball.” some of it, but also bring in with Wilmot. excited for. I’m excited for you want it. game. Even with a heavy em- our own ideas and go from “The players made us our kids to get excited. ... I Something tells me “You’re just worrying phasis on defense, Franz there.” successful,” Franz said. want the whole school and brighter days are ahead about the kids and making certainly knows and under- Franz said there haven’t “My time at Wilmot, I will community to be proud and just down the road.

M sure you’re putting them stands now that he’s a head been any decisions made never forget the players I excited to be part of some- I certainly wouldn’t bet 1 in a position to succeed,” coach the importance of on a coaching staff, but he was able to coach. ... Two, thing special.” against it.