In front of a respectable crowd of Chadron employees, coaches, and community residents, Chadron State introduced its new men's basketball head coach on Wednesday, July 17th, at the Chicoine Center. Interim Athletic Director Dr. China Jude opened the introduction, speaking about Chris Francis's commitment to student-athlete development and sharing several comments made by athletic administrators and coaches around the county.
 
She included a statement written by Amy Williams, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Nebraska, "What an outstanding hire Chadron State made bringing Chris Francis to guide their men's basketball program. Chris has an extreme passion for basketball and positively impacting young men! He and his family will be an amazing addition to the Chadron community."
 
She added a statement sent in by Roger State University alumni and Vice President and Athletic Director at University of West Virginia, Wren Baker, "Chris Francis is a tremendous coach who understands how to recruit, retain and develop student-athletes at a high level. He is hard-working, ethical and possesses high integrity. He will work to engage the community, alumni and friends in building a program everyone will be proud of. I look forward to watching his success at Chadron State!"
Faculty Athletics Representative and search committee member Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht added comments about Francis's recruiting strengths. Because of a prior commitment that required President Ron Patterson to be off-site, he delivered a 90-second message and introduced Coach Francis to the community. After the formal introduction, Coach Francis teamed up with men's and women's basketball student-athletes to engage approximately 45 boys and girls in team-building games and drills.