Francis Lopez isn’t your typical high school athlete. The Weehawken High School senior never hit the game-winning homer, never sank the game-winning shot and never scored the big touchdown. He’s not the biggest kid in the world, standing all of 5-foot-6. But he was a member of the Indians’ varsity basketball team, an integral part of a winning squad nonetheless.
“As a coach, he’s a great kid to have around,” said Weehawken varsity basketball coach Jake McNish. “Francis was there every day, doing all the same work that everyone else did. He saw limited playing time, but he never complained about it. He was a team player. He knew his role was going to be limited, but he was there every day. You always would like to have a couple of kids like Francis.”
While he never had a chance to shine athletically, Lopez was a standout in the classroom. He will graduate later this month as the no. 5 student in the Weehawken High School Class of 2003. He will attend Rutgers University in the fall, majoring in business.
“I’ve always been a hard worker, both on and off the court,” Lopez said. “I take a lot of pride in my studies.”
His dedication as a varsity athlete and his determination as a student have finally paid big dividends for the affable Lopez. He was named as Weehawken High School’s top student-athlete and represented the school at the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Scholar-Athlete Luncheon at the Pines Manor in Edison last week.
It was the 10th annual luncheon, honoring varsity letter winners who are ranked among the top 10 in their graduating class. Weehawken has had a representative at every NJSIAA luncheon.
Weehawken High School athletic director Richard Terpak accompanied Lopez to the luncheon.
“He’s a real nice kid and a hard worker,” Terpak said. “I’m very happy for him. A lot of kids get discouraged when they don’t play and don’t stick it out. But Francis didn’t quit and made the most of it. It makes me feel especially proud when a kid like Francis earns the honor. He wasn’t the name athlete, but he’s still the recipient of the award.”
The benefits for Lopez were compounded when he learned he received the Joseph Coviello Scholarship Award, given to the top Hudson County student-athlete, in memory of the legendary Memorial and North Bergen football coach and school administrator.
“It was a nice touch to the day,” Terpak said of the $1,000 scholarship. “I was extremely happy that he received that scholarship as well.”
Lopez said that he was not only shocked that he was the recipient of the school honor, but also the county-wide scholarship as well.
“I was very surprised,” Lopez said. “I didn’t know what to expect. Winning the scholarship was a big thrill and an even bigger surprise, especially coming from a little Group I school. I was very impressed and honored.”
Lopez said that he didn’t mind being a role player with limited action for the basketball team.
“I just wanted to keep going, keep playing and practicing with my friends,” Lopez said. “Although I didn’t play much, I liked being with my friends. I always wanted to play hard in practice, because I knew that it would make my friends better. I think I kept up the competition in practice.”
McNish agreed.
“He was a great practice player for us,” McNish said. “He was a small peanut, but he had a giant’s heart. I wish a couple of my bigger kids had his heart. And Francis knew only one speed, 100 miles per hour. It’s not easy for a kid to do that day in and day out. But Francis did it. And he did it always with a smile on his face.”
Terpak said that he had only one regret about Lopez’ career.
“I’m sorry that he chose to work this spring instead of playing baseball, because I think he might have been a starting outfielder,” Terpak said. “Since the baseball team won the [BCSL National Division] championship, I’m disappointed that Francis didn’t take part in that.”
All in all, Lopez is pleased with receiving the award and earning the distinction of being the top student-athlete in Hudson County.
“I was always considered the underdog,” Lopez said. “I kind of triumphed over it.”