Mike Francis

One of the most creative quarterbacks to ever walk the halls of Tosa East, Francis was known for his mastery of the triple option and skilled play calling. A wishbone quarterback, Francis led one of the most prolific offenses in Tosa East’s storied history, shattering school records for points scored, total offense, and rushing yards in a single season and tying a then school best Suburban Conference record of 7-1 in 1979. During the greatest game of the 1979 season – the Homecoming game against then undefeated and #1-ranked team in the state, West Allis Central – Francis led a furious fourth quarter comeback, scoring a two-point conversion with no time remaining to win 23-22. In addition to excelling on the football field, Francis dominated the wrestling mats in the 145 lb. and 155 lb. divisions. While he primarily wrestled to improve his strength for football season, Francis still managed to place in the Suburban Conference tournament his senior year. After graduation, Francis continued his football career at Carleton College, where he set an unbreakable passing record for the longest touchdown pass and was voted MVP by his teammates his senior year. At Coach Richmond’s request, Francis returned to Tosa East to co-head coach the 1984 freshman football team, a team which went undefeated under Francis’ guidance.