Randolph Franklin was a four-year starter for the men’s basketball team. He was the fourth player in school history to reach the 1,000-point plateau, reaching the milestone in his senior season.
A three-time team MVP, Randolph served as the captain of the 1979-80 squad for head coach Ed Hockenbury. That year he was named to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) all-star team and was nominated for the conference’s player of the year award.
He also received the Joe Garrity Award, which is awarded to the Corps student-athlete that most excels both on the field and in the classroom.
Not only a leader on the court, Franklin also served as a Cadet Captain and company commander in the Corps of Cadets during his time on the Hill. Franklin graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice.
“My time there was very special. Norwich never leaves you, that little place on the Hill. The friendships that you gain there will never be forgotten. Military, playing ball, it was all very challenging.”
One of Franklin’s most treasured memories from at the “Wick” was playing for former head coach Ed Hockenbury. “The best thing of my life,” he recalls. “One of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had. He wasn’t just a basketball coach, but a life coach. Of all the successes I have had he was instrumental. Outside of my parents, he was one of the most important people in my life.”
After his time in Northfield, Franklin served in the Army reserve for 10 years, where he achieved the rank of captain. During this time, he was employed as a marketing representative at Texaco USA from 1980-87.
Franklin would go on to co-found Franklin-Clark Enterprises where he would serve as the Chairman. He went on to found his own company, R.F. Franklin Painting and Decorating Co. Inc.
Franklin has received numerous awards and honors for his entrepreneurial efforts. Dollars and Sense magazine named him a recipient of its Best and Brightest among America’s Young Business and Professional Men award. He was a congressional appointment to the White House Conference on Small Business and has served as a regional advisory board member for the United States Small Business Administration.
Franklin is a member of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. an organization dedicated to improving and increasing educational and economic opportunities for African-Americans.
Franklin has volunteered coaching youth sports and worked with various efforts dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing urban areas and centers around the nation.
