Estancia gym to be named for Francy

Estancia will dedicate gymSchool will rename facility in honor of former principal at boys’ basketball game against Corona del Mar on Dec. 21.Former Estancia High principal Robert C. Francy was known as an avid supporter of all extracurricular activities for his students. He spent many evenings in the school gym watching sporting events, band performances or school plays.

To honor Francy, Estancia will rename its gym after him at halftime of the Eagles’ boys’ basketball game against Corona del Mar on Dec. 21.

Francy served as Estancia’s principal from 1978 to 1990. During his time at Estancia, he made an impression on his colleagues.

Former Estancia boys’ basketball coach Larry Sunderman said Francy was a “fan of anything involving kids.”

“I think it’s appropriate that the dedication will happen at a basketball game against Corona del Mar,” Sunderman said.

Bill Wetzel spent many years as Francy’s vice principal, and remembers seeing Francy in the stands at Eagles’ games, particularly ones involving Estancia and Corona del Mar.

“It was one of his favorite games. During the ‘70s and ‘80s, it was a big rivalry.” Sunderman said.

Sunderman said he remembers Francy as a “humble” administrator.

“I didn’t feel that I worked for him. I felt that I worked with him,” the former coach said.

A member of the Daily Pilot’s Millenium Hall of Fame, Francy came to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in 1960 when he began teaching at Costa Mesa High. After two years, he moved to Corona del Mar High.

The Glendale native began working at Estancia in 1966 -- its second year of existence -- as a guidance counselor. Later, he became the assistant principal before becoming principal in 1978. He also was the interim superintendent for the district in 1997.

Francy returned to Estancia as the interim principal for the 1998-99 school year. He died on Sept. 19, 2002, at the age of 66.

20051123381L8KOSNo Caption