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Community asks board to consider naming Brookville soccer pitch for longtime coach Bob O’Brien
Summary
Community members asked the Franklin County school board to name the district’s grass soccer fields for Bob O’Brien, whom speakers described as the person who brought soccer to Franklin County and a longtime coach and volunteer.
Rob Allen and Casey Mitchum addressed the board during public comment on Feb. 10 to request that the district consider naming the existing grass soccer fields “the O’Brien Pitch” or “O’Brien Field” in honor of Bob O’Brien.
Rob Allen described O’Brien as the person who introduced youth soccer to the Riverview neighborhood and who helped start the Franklin County Youth Soccer League, which Allen said averages 200 to 300 participants annually. Allen noted O’Brien coached at Franklin County High School, brought club opportunities to the county in the late 1980s and led teams in ways that, Allen said, cannot be measured only by wins and losses.
Casey Mitchum, identified as O’Brien’s grandson and a Franklin County High School senior, told the board that O’Brien will receive the Indiana Soccer Association President’s Award on Feb. 22, 2025, in recognition of a long career supporting soccer at many levels. Mitchum said the family did not seek public recognition and asked the board to “take this under consideration.”
Board members thanked the speakers and asked them to leave contact information; Superintendent Dustin Gering said he had their phone number and would follow up. The board did not take formal action during the meeting; the request was entered for consideration and follow-up.
