Fran Bositis finished his 50th year as the Franklin High boys’ varsity soccer coach this fall and that stretch of longevity should give him legendary status.

After all, the 72-year-old coach has a dynamic record, and his achievements and accolades are numerous. He’s got victories, he’s had a plethora of winning seasons, he’s won Hockomock League championships, captured a Sectional crown and been named coach of the year six times by a variety of associations. 

But, winning records and championships aren’t what makes Bositis tick. He’s special, because he’s not only a coach for all seasons, but he’s also a coach for all the right reasons. 

Consider this response when asked about his top thrill in his 50 years at FHS: “Just seeing kids go through the program and improve is my top thrill. It’s great to see some play college soccer, but it’s also a thrill to see players return to Franklin and coach at the youth level or assist at the high school.’’

Bositis is genuinely humbled by players who demonstrate high-caliber qualities — individuals who’ve been superb ambassadors for the soccer program, the school and the community.

“I’m proud of the kids we’ve turned out — so many good citizens,’’ he said. “And, it’s really nice to hear rival coaches speak about FHS soccer with so much respect. It’s an honor the way we’re viewed by opponents.’’

Bositis, who admits he dislikes losing, relies on a philosophy that goes far beyond wins and losses. He’s tuned in to how his players deal with adversity, how hard they compete and how diligently they control effort and attitude.

“Athletics prepare kids for real-life lessons,’’ he emphasized. “There are peaks and valleys in life, and it’s really about how well you react to the valleys. As long as players do their best and understand that they have control over two things — their attitude and their effort — then that’s all a coach can ask for.’’

When his 50th season ended, Bositis was acutely aware that there’s lots to be thankful for. “I’m thankful for the blue-collar kids we’ve had in the program, and I’m thankful for the sacrifices of my wife (Christine) and my family (Christopher, 50, and Kathryn, 46),’’ he said. “There also has been great support from fans, parents and the school administration. And I’ve got so much admiration for the coaches in the Hockomock League.’’

During his career at Franklin, Bositis coached in every season. He assisted in track for 19 years, was an assistant in boys’ lacrosse for 19 campaigns and was the jayvee girls’ basketball coach for 34 years.

Since taking the varsity reins in soccer in 1971, here are some numbers of note: his overall record — 489-282-128; Hockomock League titles — 9; Norfolk County League crowns — 3; and one Sectional title (1976).

Bositis’ 1976 squad played for the State title but lost, 1-0, to Ludlow on a penalty kick. That team is very memorable, and so are many of his players who competed in the decade of the 1970s.

“Our 1976 team had 10 players go on to college ball,’’ said Bositis who was The Boston Herald’s coach of the year in 1976. 

A coach with so many positive memories, Bositis, nevertheless, does have one regret. It’s about qualifying for only one State tourney berth, which came in his fifth year on the job.

“I was young, and I didn’t embrace how tough it was to get to a State tourney,’’ he emphasized. “I took getting back to the States for granted. I thought it would be easy to return.’’

During one stretch, Bositis’ teams qualified for the Sectionals 20 straight seasons, and some of those berths required a winning percentage of 70. He firmly believes that the growth of soccer is a key reason why State tourney appearances can be rare occurrences. 

“The sport has grown and its athletes have developed their skills and techniques,’’ Bositis said. The sport is now more competitive because of its growth at the youth level.’’

A native of Worcester, Bositis graduated in 1966 from St. John’s of Shrewsbury where he was a linebacker/center in football. At UMass-Amherst, he majored in physical education and lettered as a defender in lacrosse for three years before graduating in 1971. That same year he arrived at FHS and started what now is a 50-year career in soccer. Bositis retired from teaching (junior high/middle school phys-ed) in 2009.

His 50th year in coaching sure has been different. The Covid-19 pandemic forced sports to be shelved last spring, but Bositis was delighted students got to play this fall. “The rule modifications for soccer were unusual, but I’m happy the kids got the opportunity to compete,’’ he said. 

During the season just completed, Bositis was honored after a game against King Philip. The theme that was central when former players lauded him was his intense commitment, dedication and passion. “Thank you,’’ he responded. “It’s been an incredible run, and it’s been a privilege to coach at Franklin. I’m blown away by this night.’’ 

Bositis knew early on that any success he could muster would be linked to an ability to adjust and adapt.

“My coaching style has changed over the years,’’ he admitted. “I was more vocal early on, but I’ve mellowed. I hate losing, but you eventually realize that you can lose, but still be good or great. Now, I emphasize to players to do the best they can.’’

That tenet has been visible in the boys locker-room for the last 30 years, where Bositis placed a mirror on a wall.  As players glance into the mirror, they are asked, “Did you do your best today?’’