As we head into February, it’s important to highlight the historical black figures that paved the way for younger generations. Numerous amazing black athletes have raised the standards in sports. ETHS has a rich history of black athletes who’ve broken barriers and left everlasting legacies on ETHS athletics.
Franz Calixte is not only a history teacher and the head boys soccer coach for the Kits, but he is also an alumnus who was inducted into the ETHS athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. Calixte was part of one of the most athletic and impressive graduate classes the school has seen, the class of 1989. This class of ‘89 included several Hall of Famers and distinguished athletes.
Calixte expressed the importance of focusing on feeder levels and starting sports programs at the younger ages to ensure early involvement in sports. He also explained how it is a great opportunity to promote more inclusion in sports for all people. Calixtes runs his own soccer camp in late summer for middle and high school students, to scout future stars and to get some good practice in before tryouts.
“If we find a way of getting kids playing in junior high or before that, to start doing stuff for younger kids, we get them more involved earlier,” Calixte mentioned.
The 5’7” defender continued his athletic and academic career at the University of Syracuse. Emphasizing the need for hard work and dedication beyond natural talent. Furthermore, he highlighted the competitive nature of college sports and the importance of a work ethic.
“You can’t just be the talent that you wake up with,” emphasized Calixte, “You’ve got to work harder than the next person, you know, because by the time you go to college, if it’s a certain level, everyone there is going to be one of the top people that they were in high school.”
Syracuse’s 1991 defensive player of the year explained how playing soccer has helped develop a diverse group of friends and increased confidence. He also mentioned the ability to overcome situations due to soccer and noted that sports have contributed to personal identity development.
“I mean, I’ve been playing soccer for such a long time, and through that, that’s how I got, you know, such a diverse group of friends.” Mentions Calixte, “I got my confidence, my ability to tackle situations related to developing more of my identity.”
