Annville-Cleona golf ace Logan Francis to pursue larger purpose at Naval Academy

Annville-Cleona’s Logan Francis always bore the desire. If it was possible – knowing the academics, commitment, and mental and physical fortitude required – was the hovering question mark.

Francis stirred the passion to serve his country during the coronavirus pandemic. When his sophomore season on the golf course came into focus, the image of being at one of the United States academies — Air Force, Army, and Navy — became clear.

Francis announced his pledge to Navy on March 4. He’ll dress for the Midshipmen men’s golf team while pursuing a lifelong goal of becoming a Navy SEAL.

“It’s super rewarding,” Francis said. “It’s been a dream of mine, and it’s such an honor to represent the Naval Academy and play Division I golf at the same time. I think it’s just a great thing for me in the future. I think it’ll set me up to be a great leader, a great person. I think it’s just going to push me in every area and make me the best possible version of myself.”

A-C and the Lancaster-Lebanon League had a front-row seat the last four years to an already ripened version of Francis. His scorecards — like a 2-under par 70 at Lebanon Country Club to claim the 2025 L-L title — were the main draw, but it’s been his behind-the-scenes contributions that’ve landed him a Naval Academy acceptance.

Francis believes his leadership on the links can translate to his Navy voyage. He’s nurtured teammates’ careers. He’s seen his personal play ascend, both mechanically and mentally.

“I think my time at Annville, especially my golf team at Annville, will definitely help me in this,” he said. “They’re raising leaders for the future in the military, and I have some of that experience.”

Like any round on the local track, there’s a cloud of unknown as the Dutchmen standout takes his next steps in life.

The biggest alteration will be stepping away from golf for chunks of time. Due to his commitments with the Navy, Francis expects to be absent from athletic duties for upward of six weeks over the summer.

The last few years have been nonstop go, whether during his high school season or playing in tournaments across other states. Francis bookended his scholastic career with a fourth-place finish at the District 3 Class 2A tournament (two-day 148 strokes) and staked a t-15 result at the PIAA dance (151).

“It’s definitely different from the standard Division I school,” Francis said. “During the school year, it’s fine. It’s like any other normal college. But during the summer, I have obligations for weeks at a time. … I’ll have to come back and be able to adjust and get in my groove pretty quickly.”

Air Force and Army also offered Francis a spot on their golf rosters. Aside from chasing his childhood vision, the Navy coaching staff stuck out to the A-C ace.

Francis feels head coach Jimmy Stobs will help navigate the variabilities and uncertainties. Spending countless hours on the course and submitting manifolds of scores was a bulb that always burned bright.

“The golf coaches were super welcoming, and I’ve met them about three times,” Francis said. “(Stobs) said, ‘I treat my players like they were my kids,’ and he just seems like a great guy. And I feel like I fit in with the whole team dynamic.”

For his four seasons in A-C red and white, Francis forged his own dynamic, made Dutchmen golf welcoming. None of that will change as the colors shift to blue and gold, as he fulfills his larger purpose.

The image has never been clearer.

“Being in the military is my dream after all, so golf is secondary,” Francis said. “I’m still obviously going to put the work in, but I’m not gonna get super discouraged (over a score). Golf doesn’t define me. I’m dreaming bigger.”