POULSBO — Chris Franklin does a lot more than schedule sporting events.

When a student requires medical attention, concussion testing or other health-related work, Franklin is called to help.

He helped establish the Olympic League’s website, keeping it updated.

And, Franklin is the ASB coordinator for North Kitsap High School.

Based on the work Franklin does, Assistant Superintendent Chris Willits agrees the long-time NKHS staff member should be the league’s Athletic Director of the Year.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving on an all-around basis,” Willits said.

Franklin was voted athletic director of the year by the other athletic directors in the Olympic League and was recognized by the North Kitsap School Board Feb. 27.

“This award, voted by all Olympic League athletic directors, is a testament to the work he has put in this year,” the recognition by the board reads.

Franklin, who has worked at the high school for nearly 20 years, played a key role in developing the athletic medicine program — including writing the curriculum — at both high schools in the district. He not only helped students heal, but helped train students in athletic medicine. Many students have placed high on state tests and gone on to study the field in college.

Franklin joined the staff of North Kitsap after college. He applied for the job in 1995. However, North Kitsap wasn’t his only consideration. Franklin also applied to South Kitsap and Auburn Riverside high schools.

When Franklin got a phone call from Patrick Olsen — then an employee of South Kitsap, now North Kitsap’s director of Career & Technical Education and district athletic director — Olsen told him, “‘We’d love to interview you,’” Franklin said. Olsen, however, recommended Franklin for the North Kitsap High School job.

The career move to North Kitsap is one Franklin doesn’t regret.

“North Kitsap is a great community,” he said. The students are respectful, he said, and he’s happy with the support from the administration and community.