Weir softball field named in honor of former coach

WEIRTON -- The legacy of a former Weir High softball coach now has a permanent reminder on the school's campus.

Prior to Thursday's game against John Marshall, players, fans and school officials gathered to officially dedicate the Weir High softball field in honor of Roberta "Birdie" DeFrancis.

"Students loved her, administrators loved her and fellow teachers loved her," noted Superintedent Dan Enich.

DeFrancis is a graduate of Follansbee High School and West Liberty University, who began her professional career at Weir High School in the early 1970s. When the school launched its softball program in 1975, DeFrancis was named its first head coach, leading the team's inaugural season to a 6-3 record.

She would guide the team to its first state championship in 1982, continuing on for several years before taking a temporary break beginning in 1991. DeFrancis returned to the team for its 1994 season, with the team rewarding her with a second state championship.

An OVAC championship would be awarded in 1996, and a regional championship in 1997 - DeFrancis' final year at the team's helm.

"It was quite a stellar career," Enich said.

DeFrancis offered thanks for the honor, which includes her name featured on the field's scoreboard and press box, while looking back at her 20 years of coaching.

"It was a wonderful time with wonderful athletes," she said, while also offering some encouragement for the current team. "I keep up with everything, and you're going to win the OVAC on Saturday...by a lot."

The new field was built last year on an area once used as the school's north parking lot, with the project reaching substantial completion just in time to begin the 2023 softball season.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)