2016 Honorary Chairs – Fran Hughes & Fran McHugh
The “Two Frans” coa
ched, trained and lead generations of Saint John area youth across a variety sports and were mentors to athletes and coaches alike throughout their careers at Saint John High School and St Malachy’s.
Fran Hughes played football for UNB Fredericton for four years as a tight end and in his second year, was the second leading scorer in the league. Fran also played four years of university hockey and the team was two-time winner of the Maritime Championships. Hughes, fondly known as “The Bear,” went on to teach at St. Peter’s school and was assistant coach at St. Malachy’s with Fran McHugh (Head Coach), founder of that school’s football program. He moved to Saint John High where he introduce football into the school’s athletic department. He joined the staff of SJHS in 1970, went on to become athletic Director and retired a Greyhound, after 33 years of teaching, in 1999. During his time, he coached numerous sports along with football, including track & field and basketball.
Fran McHugh attended UNB as well, wining the 1961 Ken Corbett Gold Medal as the finest all-round athlete. He is one of the rare individuals who has competed, coached and officiated at the Canada Games. His officiating skills are world-class having refereed basketball and umpired baseball on both national and international levels. He is a National Master Course Conductor, skilled at training other officials. He has been an umpire himself, since 1967, and has called strikes and balls at age-class nationals, Canada Games and Intercontinental Tournament. McHugh is also a member of both the N.B. Sports Hall of Fame and the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame.