TULALIP — Francis Sheldon did what needed to be done.
For decades, that’s what he was known for on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. So it was no surprise that when Marysville School District officials told him there was no money for a basketball team at Heritage High School, Sheldon found another way.
“Francy asked the tribe,” said Don Hatch, a relative and longtime friend of Sheldon. “He and I went to the tribal council and told them we needed something for our kids.”
Today, the basketball played at Heritage High School is a source of pride for the Tulalip Tribes. Sheldon died in 2002, but his role hasn’t been forgotten. The school named its gym in Sheldon’s honor on Jan. 10, between the boy’s and girl’s basketball games against teams from the Lummi Indian Reservation.
The timing of the dedication was a nod to Sheldon’s dedication to help tribal children everywhere, Hatch said.
Sheldon was a natural athlete, and grew up playing football, basketball, baseball and any other sport that was available, Hatch said. But his skills as a coach and mentor proved to be his most valuable.
“He was an impact player in everything he did because he was such a strong motivator,” Hatch said.
Sheldon’s coaching continued even after the game ended, Hatch said.
“Even the adults would go to him to ask advice or get help,” he said. “He would find out where to get help, either within the tribe or through the county. Whatever it was, he would find out how to get it done.”
Reporter Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422 or kkapralos@heraldnet.com.
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