Arizona Football: Parents Weekend with the Franklin’s
ZonaZealots caught up with the family one of our beloved new freshman from Louisiana Kendal Franklin Jr. to see how much they enjoyed Parent Weekend with their Arizona football Wildcat.
Each year freshmen move from their comfy homes into the dorms at the University of Arizona, usually with a ton of help from their parents. But for Arizona freshman football players, who arrive earlier than most of their fellow students at the beginning of June, they come alone which can be a daunting yet a thrilling experience. Skip ahead to four months later, the players may get to see their families if they fly in for Parent Weekend and make the trip.
As fun as college can be for a freshman, it’s comforting and can be heart-breaking for the family left behind at home. Looking forward to Parents Weekend is the one thing they hang on to, and they count the days until they can wrap their arms around their child once again.
This last weekend was the annual Parent Weekend at the University of Arizona, and Kendal Franklin Jr.‘s family of seven traveled all the way from Louisiana and Texas to spend some quality time with their Arizona Wildcat.
We asked Kendal’s Head Coach Rich Rodriguez if Parents Weekend had any effect on the players for the game. “I don’t know you would have to ask them,” he said, “I know I saw several of them [parents] get into town a couple of days early. It was probably busier for them [the players] because I’m pretty sure they were all cleaning up their apartments and their dorms so moms and dads could see it.”
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the 88th annual Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. The Wildcats defeated the Sun Devils 42-35 to win the Pac-12 South title. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Rodriguez also was happy for his players due to playing an early game; they had more time with their parents. “What was nice about, I thought, for that weekend was when the game was over, they got to spend some quality time I think Saturday evening and Sunday morning with them. So that’s always good to see.”
Hanging out with the families post-game, you could see all the smiling faces; parents were waiting for their Wildcat, and Wildcats were greeting their families waiting for them post-game.
Speaking of hanging out with football families, Zona Zealots had a chance to sit down with Kendal Franklin’s father Kendal Franklin Sr. to find out how his Parents Weekend went.
Here’s what he had to say, and it is touching. All parents of college students who live away from home know how heart-wrenching it can be to be separated from their children with no physical contact for extended periods of time; the reunion moments are priceless.
ZZ: What was it like to finally get to hug your son again after the many months (4 1/2) since you have been apart?
KF: It’s Was the best feeling in the whole world to hug my son.
ZZ: How many family members came to Tucson with you?
KF: Seven Family members were here in Tucson, six came with me: Earline Franklin-Cooper (Grandmother), Barras Franklin (Uncle), Troy Singleton (Brother), Denise Franklin (Auntie), Nekia House (Step Mom) and Pat (Auntie). In spirit, Kendal’s mom who passed away when he was just twelve years old, Trenise Singleton.
Kendal Franklin Sr. and his Mother, University of Arizona, 10/11/2015 – Photo by Kendal Franklin Sr.
ZZ: What did you all do together?
KF: We came to see his dorm room and met his roommate, we laughed, had lunch, dinner, went shopping and met with Coach Casteel, and Coach McGee. We took lots of pictures and just toured Tucson.
ZZ: How did you like Tucson? Any suggestions for other parents who for their first family weekend? What to do and what to skip?
KF: Tucson is awesome and for parents that didn’t come [for Parents Weekend] don’t ever miss Family Weekend Again. Do whatever your son/daughter wants to do, do everything, lol.
ZZ: I understand Kendal Jr. was asked to dress for the game, which was a surprise. What was it like for your family to see him on the Wildcat Walk and the JumboTron?
KF: (Deep Breath) it gave me chills. Really I wanted to cry tears of joy to see my son on the Wildcats Walk and even more on the JumboTron. I know his mom is in heaven smiling down saying, ‘Look at my Baby.’ Well, mom, I hope your baby boy has made you proud.
ZZ: Did Kendal get to preserve his redshirt status after this weekend??
KF: Yes he is still redshirted, but he is on the travel squad.
Kendal Franklin family, University of Arizona, 10/11/2015 – Photo by Kendal Franklin Sr.
ZZ: How much weight has Kendal put on since the beginning of his senior year? Has he grown?
KF: He is about 227 right now; his weight Fluctuates, he was 236 when he first came to Tucson for the summer. He will be bringing it back up.
ZZ: What was the most special moment of the weekend? Are you already looking forward to next year?
KF: The most special part of the weekend was just to see my sons face in person, shake his hand, give him a BIG HUG, and tell him I love him. And yes we will do this for the next four years.
ZZ: How did Kendal’s grandmother enjoy the weekend? Did she give Kendal any needed advice?
Kendal Franklin family women, University of Arizona, 10/11/2015 – Photo by Kendal Franklin Sr.
KF: My mother enjoyed every bit of this weekend. She loves him to death. She does anything for him. As far as advice, she probably told him pick this up and pick that up in his room, get his hair re-done (dreadlocks), and make sure you do the right things in life.
ZZ: How is Kendal enjoying his time at Arizona so far?
KF: Kendal loves it here, everyone is good to him. I know he misses home a little bit. But he wanted to go away to college and live on his own. He could not way to be here. I can’t wait to see him on that field.
Neither can we Mr. Franklin, neither can we.
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