Fran Welch coached the Emporia State Hornets football team for 24 seasons, racking up 116 wins with the university. His time as the football coach saw ESU win six conference titles, and for his contributions, he was honored by having the stadium named after him. Welch Stadium saw long-time Hornet Head coach Garrin Higgins tie Welch’s record with a win over Missouri Southern.

Win 116 at ESU for Higgins saw his Hornets get off to a strong start. Missouri Southern scored within the first two minutes of the game to go up 7-0, but the Hornets answered quickly to tie it with a 26-yard touchdown catch from sophomore Malik O’Atis. After a couple of drives where the defenses settled in, the Hornets would take advantage of a short punt, and sophomore running back Diego Cearns would run in a touchdo

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