June 26, 2005

Coach Fran donates $1 million to new complex

From all appearances, Texas A&M football coach Dennis Franchione is putting down roots in College Station. Coach Fran and his wife have made a $1 million donation to the construction of an indoor practice building for the football team and other Aggies sports.

Obviously, a lot of thought went into our decision to do this. We decided it would be a gift that helps express our gratitude for everything that Texas A&M University and you Aggie supporters have done to make us feel so welcomed and comfortable since we first arrived 2 1/2 years ago.

After last season I requested a raise for our assistant coaches. So, when Bill Byrne let me know unexpectedly that my salary would be increased, too, it was a pleasant surprise -- and also a sign of strong commitment and loyalty. That's when Kim and I started talking about an appropriate way to show the same things in return.

This donation comes on the heels of a $30,400 charity distribution that Coach Fran's foundation made to several worthy causes.

The current plan is for A&M to build the facility on what is currently a parking lot between Kyle Field and the grass practice fields. The facility could be complete in two years time.

The Aggies and Baylor are the only Big 12 football teams without an indoor facility.

Posted by Kevin Donahue