Sunday, November 3, 2013
Norris Francis and his family grew up with our family. Back in the early '80s it was Norris who birthed the idea of "The Lakeview Speedsters which was a track team consisting of the local neighborhood kids, The coaches were Norris, Earl Adkins and Ralph James. Colbert Britt joined our group in the mid '80s. Pat and I were the "cheerleaders
and Betty James fried the chicken wings.
Out of that group of random neighborhood kids was Michael Reed, who later ran for the Air Force Academy.
Ralph James Jr, who was the Captain of the Harvard Basketball team and MVP for
four years.
Dianne Adkins who received a full track scholarship to Texas Southern University, Houston.
Tamika Franicis, who was the reciipient of a track scholarship to University of Texas, Austin.
And Derrick Adkiins who received a 5-year track scholarship to Georgia Tech.
Norris saw potential in the youth, organized it, enhanced it and had a TREMENOUS
IMPACT on their lives and our lives.
I didn't get a chance to speak Friday evening because there were so many who wanted
to express their experiences, so I will probably be posting again to share some of my family's experiences with the Francis'
Norris, we love you, and we will miss your joie de vivre., joy of living!
Carole Adkins and the Adkins Family
