St. Frances Academy Football, Inspired by Late Teammate, Fights Past Adversity to Be a Top Program

St. Frances Academy in Baltimore became a national powerhouse without the facilities most top programs enjoy.

The Panthers play for more than wins. They honor Aaron Wilson, a teammate who lost his battle with cancer, by having a different player wear his number 4 jersey each game. Founded in 1828 as the oldest African-American institution in the United States, St. Frances carries a legacy of excellence that extends beyond athletics into its 100% graduation rate.