Mad Anthonys marks 60th anniversary by naming 2017 Red Coat recipients

Mad Anthonys marks 60th anniversary by naming State Senator David Long and Fort Wayne Komets co-owners 2017 Red Coat recipients

Fort Wayne, IN (April 28, 2017)—Mad Anthonys is celebrating a big anniversary by announcing longtime local leaders in the world of sports and politics as the recipients of its highest annual honor.

State Senator David Long, as well as the Fort Wayne Komets’ six-man ownership team – brothers Steven, Michael, Richard, David and William Franke; as well as Scott Sproat – will be honored as Mad Anthonys 2017 Red Coat recipients. Mad Anthonys will officially recognize the group at its annual Red Coat dinner, sponsored by Frontier Communications, on June 23. It will celebrate its 60th anniversary on June 24 with the charity golf event sponsored by Lutheran Health Network.

“2017 is a big year for the Mad Anthonys, so we thought it made perfect sense to have a big class of Red Coat recipients,” said Jim Kelley, president of the Mad Anthonys. “As both a legislator and a volunteer, David Long has always put our region first. And it’s hard to imagine the Komets being the iconic, highly successful franchise they are without the commitment and stewardship of Scott and the Franke brothers. As Red Coats are researched and selected we can think of no better group of Red Coat recipients for this year.”

Long has served in the Indiana State Senate since first being elected to represent district 16 in 1996, and has served as President Pro Tem since 2007. He’s also served as general counsel for Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne, Inc. since 1997, and been an active volunteer with several area organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne.

“I know from my experience in the statehouse how highly the Mad Anthonys and its Red Coat are viewed throughout the state,” Long said. “And I know from personal experience what a big deal this is, which is why I am incredibly honored to be among this year’s recipients.”

The Franke brothers became owners of the Komets at one of the franchise’s most challenging periods and – along with Sprout, who joined the ownership group in 2001 – have helped turn it into one of the most popular and successful minor league franchises in sports. When the previous owners moved the franchise to Albany, NY, in the summer of 1990, the Franke brothers purchased an International Hockey League team based in Flint, MI, and relocated it to Fort Wayne under the Komets name and identity.

Since then, the franchise has won six league championships, five regular season titles and earned nine trips to the league finals. The Komets have also been named league Member Club of the Year five times and consistently rank as one of the leaders in minor league pro hockey attendance, averaging more than 7,000 fans per home game over the past 14 seasons.

“On behalf of my brothers and Scott, we are beyond excited about this recognition,” said Michael Franke. “The Komets would not be the franchise it is today without the incredible support of our fans and the entire community – and, in turn, we are happy to help the Mad Anthonys support the Children’s Hope House at this year’s event.”

Mad Anthonys will honor Long, Komets owners at the annual Red Coat Dinner on June 23; this year’s Mad Anthonys Charity Classic, presented by Lutheran Health Network, will take place June 24. They join an internationally renowned list of previous Red Coat recipients from the worlds of sports, entertainment and politics, including Neil Armstrong, John Wooden, Bob Knight, Gene Keady, Peyton Manning and Vice President Mike Pence. A full list of Red Coat recipients is available here. All funds raised by Mad Anthonys Children’s Foundation will support the Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House.