Basketball
Joe Franco, a Woodside native from St. Mary’s Winfield, entered McClancy in 1979. He played basketball for four years at McClancy while maintaining an 87% average. Joe was co-captain of the 1982-83 Crusader varsity squad that advanced to the C.H.S.A.A. Final Four. Included in this p;layoff run was a monumental upset of three time defending champion, St. Nicholas of Tolentine. Franco led the charge against the Wildcats with 26 points. Daily News Sports Editor Bill Travers wrote simply “Joe Franco was spectacular”. Joe was named All-City for his efforts that season by Newsday, the Daily News, and the New York Post. The C.H.S.A.A. coaches also recognized him by naming him to the All-Queens team as well as the post-season All-Tournament Team.
Upon graduation, Joe received several Division I scholarship All-Tournament team offers. He accepted a scholarship to Fordham University where he amassed over 950 points during his four year stint with the Rams. After graduation, Joe turned down several offers to play overseas and started his career in the business world.
Joe presently lives in New Jersey with his wife Vicki.