Inducted into the the charter class of the MHS Hall of Fame in 2003
Worthen was one of the top female track and field athletes in the
country and a multiple state champion for Marshfield. While at
Marshfield, she participated in cross country, field hockey, volleyball
and track and field, and was an active member of the Girls Athletic
Association, holding several offices including president.
She spent her
track and field career setting and resetting school, district and state
records, and two times broke the national high school long jump
record. She won a total of 10 state titles, is the only
Class 4A athlete to score more than 100 career points in the state meet,
and led Marshfield to the 1972 state championship.
After graduating from
Marshfield, she joined the track and field team at Southwestern Oregon
Community College, becoming the first woman to participate for a
men's junior college track team.
She broke the American record
for 220 yards three times, but was denied the mark on technicalities
each time. In 1974, she was the AAU National Senior Women's champion
at 220 yards and part of a 440-yard relay team that set an American
record. She retired from track and field in 1975 to turn her
attention to motherhood and is now the head track and field coach at
Marshfield.
Post Hall of Fame Induction Accomplishments: Fran
coached the Pirate girls to a state title in 2005 and led the boys team
to a state title in 2008. She retired from coaching Pirates after
the 2008 season.
American Short Relay Record Holder in
1974
Set National Record in Long Jump in 1970 &
71
10 Time State Champion In 1974,
two years after her successful high school career, Fran was a National
Championship finalist in the long jump, 100 yard and 220-yard dashes.
She won the 220 yard dash and was crowned America's national champion.
That same year she competed for the US in the short relay against the
USSR at Duke University and the team set an American Record.
Relay Team set State Record in
1970 & 72
1970 880 Medley Relay Team - Cheryl Bates, Barb Seyler, Carol Knight,
Fran
1972 880 Medley Relay Team - Vicki Hunt, Dianne Walker, Tina Rausch,
Fran
Fran's
10 State Gold Medals
1972
Long Jump 18-5
220 Yd Dash 24.9
100 Yd Dash 10.9
880 Relay 1:53.9
1971
Long Jump 18-8
220 Yd Dash 25.5
1970
Long Jump 18-7.5
220 Yd Dash 25.2
100 Yd Dash 11.0
880 Relay 1:54.8
Sites Not Affiliated With MHS Athletics, links
provided for your enjoyment