What is a champion? Most people would say the winner of a league, tournament, or some type of competition. But to Franklin Griffis, the Baker County head softball coach, what it means to be a champion runs much deeper.
Griffis has coached high school softball since 2002, the last seven years as a head coach. During his time on top of the program, he won seven district titles, two regional titles, and one state title. There is no doubt he is a champion on the field. His philosophy on getting there is a little different from most though. Some coaches motivate from fear, but Griffis sees that as a temporary motivator.
“While a lot of coaches will motivate by fear, when I took over the program as the head coach, I wanted to experiment with coaching in a way that my assistant coaches and players knew that I loved them unconditionally,” Griffis said.
He saw 15 players go on to play college softball in his seven years leading the program. There were many others who were able, but had other career opportunities in mind. Those opportunities come from a coach who loves his players and gives them the chance to succeed, or fail, in their sport. The ultimate goal is always to learn as many lessons off the field as on it.
College Players:
2017 – Hayleigh Mulkey (Florida State College at Jacksonville), Macy Jackson (University of North Florida), Madison Jennedy (Florida State University)
2016 – Payton Parker, Callie Paine, Brandie Callaway (Tallahassee Community College); Ashton Alford (University of South Carolina Sumter); Dee Washington (Florida – Basketball/Co-SEC Freshman of the Year)
2014 – Jennifer Hodges (St. Petersburg State College), Kylie Holton (Morehead State University)
2013 – Kasey Blue (Broward State College), Brooke Roberts (Pasco-Hernando State College)
2012 – Tina Hauge, Shelby Gatto (Broward State College); Taylor Crummey (South Georgia State College)
In the April 27 district championship game against Suwannee, Griffis went to his freshman pitcher, Liz McGovern, in the top of the sixth inning. She went 1-2-3, getting to the seventh inning with ease. Then came the adversity. The first batter of the seventh inning unloaded on a pitch to hit a home run. The two-run lead was cut to one. Things got even tighter when the next two batters reached base on a walk and single, respectively. Most coaches would think about putting the veteran starter back in. In a testament to his character and ability, Griffis stuck to the plan he was so confident in. Even though the game was not an elimination game, he would have stuck with the same decision no matter the circumstances. He wanted to see what a player would do in the heat of competition. For Griffis, those teachable moments make high school athletics so much fun to coach.
Baker County and McGovern got the next three batters out without giving up a run to win in the seventh inning. It was the seventh district title in seven years, an unlikely feat from a logistics entrepreneur turned pastor turned full-time teacher who got into softball because his daughter played little league. It is a testament to the conviction of a philosophy that started as an experiment. It seems safe to say that Griffis is onto something special with his experimental coaching.
Griffis uses his Christian foundation in his coaching.
“I view my coaching as a calling from God to be placed in the lives of these young women and to be able to teach them not only how to compete in softball, but to compete and succeed in life,” Griffis said. “I try to live life in a way that honors God, and I hope that they see that in me.”
Griffis offers his players and coaches an opportunity during the season to study the Bible together. He leads an optional Bible study on Wednesdays after practice since his team is hard at work and may miss traditional church activities.
“I choose a word each season that will define our direction, and I always couple it with scripture,” Griffis said.
“A true champion is one that learns to love their teammates more than their self,” Griffis said. “They put their own interest behind those of the team. I want Baker County softball to play for the love of their teammates, coaches, community, and God. No matter what we do, we do it for His Glory.”
What former players had to say about playing for Baker County Wildcat softball and for Griffis….
“Playing like a wildcat and representing this community means putting yourself last and your team first, always looking out for your teammates, staying positive, being confident but humble about your skills, and ultimately giving it everything your body has.” – Genie Taylor (2014)
“When I played as a Wildcat, I felt like I was playing with my family.” – Brandie Callaway (2016)
“You’re playing the game you love with the girls you’ve known your whole life (for the most part stress free), with coaches who care about you and who are trying to shape you.” – Payton Parker (2016)
“Wildcats win together, lose together, laugh together, cry together (losing stinks), learn together, and improve together. Having the ability to take a break from reality, consuming yourself in the shared love of the game with your teammates, is such a great privilege, one that we often take for granted.” – Mackenzie Wingard (2014)
“Wildcat softball will teach you many lessons that you won’t learn anywhere else, like teamwork, responsibility, determination, and a work ethic. It’ll teach you that sometimes you have to make sacrifices for this game and you may be mad about it at the time but when it’s all over you’ll be glad you didn’t skip practice or game for whatever plans you had.” – Brooke Roberts (2013)
“It’s not about the last name or the person who is wearing that jersey at that time. It’s about the people around you who you’re playing for and that logo across the front!” – Dee Washington (2016)
The Heart of A Champion
By: Andrew Baker, FCA
