I fondly remember the first time I ever saw Joseph "Girard" Franklin compete in person. It was the third rendition of the Middle School State meet being held at Bolles in Jacksonville and on that day he set the State on notice that he had some serious wheels. He ran 2 flat for the 800 and 4:19 for the 1500 as an eighth grader for Griffin Middle School and he continues to get considerably faster as he nears the end of his Junior year at 2A Godby High in Tallahassee.Joseph is once again setting the State on notice that not only does he have some serious wheels, but that he has some serious endurance to go with that speed as well after scoring a big win in the hotly contested 3200 at the Florida State Relays last weekend. Although his time shouldn't really surprise us, the fact that he is now a dominant threat in the 3200 should, because it's a very rare occurrence to come across someone who has run 49 for the 400, 1:50 for the 800 and in his first time running the 3200, go 9:29 point. That's known as having great range and should make college coaches salivate at the endless combination of points they can muster. If Joseph is like his father, Joseph Sr, college coaches will welcome the points associated with the steeplechase as well ! Girard has even taken a few steps in that direction as it turns out this track season. More to follow !
A telling sign that Girard was blossoming into a serious distance type runner became quite evident at Flrunners VII, where Joseph ran 15:45 for 5K, setting a new PR by a whopping 52 seconds. Although he was never really in the front pack, the leaders can be thankful the race wasn't any longer than 5K because Joseph was closing fast. With more distance experience under his belt it's not too hard to envision Girard making some noise on the national level in the not too distant future.
I had a chance to catch up with him after his performances at Florida State over the weekend.
Q: Joseph, congratulations on a great double this past weekend at the Florida State Relays. Can you describe your thoughts on Friday nights 3200 where you scored a huge PR running 9:29.73 for the win against a deep field including the State leader in the 3200, Connor Revord from Tampa Jesuit, amongst others?
A: I was really excited and nervous the night before. Before that day I had never run a competitive 3200 and didn't know much about how the race would develop. There had been discussions about my lack of ability when it comes to longer distances. Friday was a great chance to prove otherwise. My dad competed in the longer distances with much success and I know I'm better than him because I beat him yesterday!
Q: After winning on Friday night and being heavily favored for Saturday night's 1600, were you happy with the way the race unfolded where you ran a State leading 4:14.27, setting another personal best, 2 nights in a row?
A: When I discussed the race with my dad Friday night we both knew about Connor's 4:17 and we discussed the race strategy he might have. The expectation was that the lead pack would come around in 2:05. From what I remember, it was a bit slower than that (at about 2:07). Then on the final lap I played it safe and ran for the win. 20/20 hindsight, I wish I had went all out the last 400. But a win is a win.
Q: Has your training and racing preparation being going as planned for this point in the season?
A: So far no, but it is pretty much my fault. I began the season on the schedule that my dad and I had discussed. Then I decided I wanted to run some other events for fun at local meets. I started practicing the hurdles about twice a week with our hurdles coach. Then after splitting 21.4 in a 4x200 I also wanted to try my hand at the open 200. That's when I strained my right hamstring. That hampered my training for 4 weeks. It's only been recently that I've been able to get back on schedule.
Q: Florida Relays is back this year after a 1 year hiatus and folks are saying the newly resurfaced track at Pearcy Beard Track seems "fast" ! What are your objectives going into the meet this weekend?
A: My number 1 goal is to go out and win the race and hopefully by doing that I'll end up running below 4:10.
Q: With a little under a month to go until State, how do you envision the State Series going forward?
A: At the beginning of the year I was hoping to win the State 1600 and only have to run about 4:21, allowing me a shot at chasing the 800 meter state record. It doesn't look like Connor will allow me to have a 4:21 victory so we'll just have to wait and see.
Q: Do you plan on running any post season meets this year like you have in the past?
A: After this season I plan on running Nike Outdoor. Besides that I'm not sure.
Q: Any running plans for the summer in order to get ready for Cross in the fall?
A: I plan on doing some of the things that I haven't been able or sometimes willing to do. This past summer I was doing some of the things necessary to have a good season, but then I suffered a slight injury and never got back on track. I'm going to train this summer so that an opportunity like Footlocker Nationals won't pass me by again.
Q: Without a doubt, you're being highly recruited already. Do you have a short list of schools you would like to look at?
A: So far I've had only 1 unofficial visit to Georgetown and I really enjoyed myself while I was there. But when I do make my final decision, it will be based on which school is best for me financially, socially, and academically.
Joseph, best of luck this weekend at the Florida Relays and during theState Series.
Flrunners Stat Page : https://www.milesplit.com/athletes/21365
400: 49.32
800: 1:50.92
1600: 4:14.27
3200: 9:29.73
5000: 15:45
Joseph was the 2005 2A 800m Champion as a freshman. He is also the
reigning 2006 2A 800 Meter Champion and 2A 1600 Meter champion.
Joseph finished 3rd at the 2006 State CC finals.
Age: 18
Height: 5'11
Weight: 140
