Chris Nash Says Fans Should

Be Excited About “New Day”

In Weekly Profile

The main purpose for this part of the site is to bring students closer to their brave athletes competing on the field, court, or gym. So, for the first edition of “Player Profile” I’ve chosen Chris Nash to be the voice of pre-district football.

AT: With all of the changes occurring over the summer, there is a lost of speculation about how this season will go. This could potentially be distracting to some players. Should the students be worried or excited about all of the buzz?

Nash: “We should definitely be excited without a doubt. The coaches know what they’re doing. They will keep in mind what they’re working with as far as the athletes they have and will not attempt anything that their players are uncomfortable with. So, yeah, the students should really be pumped for the new season.”

AT: There have been a lot of coaches going in and out over the past few years. Do you think that those changes might have hindered the growth of our current crop of varsity players?

Nash: “I’m not really sure if it’s hindered the growth of Tom Bean Football, but regardless of coaching staff it’s going to take a few years for a complete turn around. I don’t think we should be that concerned with it.”

AT: Many of the current coaches are looking to stay. I know Coach Sanders is building a house in the area. Does knowing this affect team morale, or focus?

Nash: “Definitely.”

AT: How is that?

Nash: “It reinforces the fact that they are here to stay and that this is how it’s going to be for a while. It will be a program that Tom Bean Football can grow and succeed with. They’re investments in houses and property just proves that this isn’t just a temporary thing. It’s where they want to be.”

AT: So, what has been the main focus during the pre-season?”

Nash: “I’m not really sure what the main focus has been, but on our t-shirts we have the slogan ‘Today is A New Day’. We want to emphasize the fact that we’re not trying to make up for past performances. We’ve also often been asked ‘Why do we work?’, and our response is ‘To win’. Then we are asked ‘And what does that take?’, and the response is ‘Hard work’. And certainly, another focus has been Tom Bean, and the determination to bring back the football tradition. For me personally, my focus has been that as long as we win, whether it is by showing class on the field or having pride in our work, than we have succeeded.

AT: So, you are a senior this year, along with a good sized group of players. It’s a big year for you and them. How does knowing this affect the play and mentality of senior players?

Nash: “We’re trying our best to savor every moment we have left. We joke around with the fact that this is our last year of two-a-days and the last time we have to practice in 115 degree heat with black helmets and pads. Also, we realize that this is our last year of high school football, and for most of us our last year of football ever. So, we want to go out with a bang and make this year stand out from the rest.”

AT: Some have been saying that this year will be not different from the previous, and others say that Sanders is the ‘man with the plan’ and that this will be a playoff year. Do you think that Tom Bean will see playoff football, if not this year, in the years to come?

Nash: “If not this season, than definitely in the next two. There’s a whole lot of potential coming. I have no doubts about laying down our titles of senior football players to the next group of guys. I trust them completely with it because already they’re showing signs of leadership. Tom Bean has always been a strong team; we’ve just sort of faded over this past year or two. I definitely believe that playoffs will return soon.”

AT: Back to Coach Sanders. He’s told me in the past that the years of football taking the bulk, if not the only, attention are over. Under him, we will see equal concentration on all sports. Do you see there being possibly multiple successes all around for Tom Bean this year with that new focus?

Nash: “Yes I do, because Coach Sanders is not just about football. Naturally, this being a small Texas town, football is going to draw a lot of attention. But, Coach and his crew have made clear that they are here for Tom Bean, not just a part of it. He doesn’t coach them all, but he is the Athletic Director. It is his job to make sure we succeed in all sports programs, guys and girls. I believe he can lead us to better performances in everything because of his attitude of there’s a season for every sport.

AT: Last question. What is your main feeling towards the new season?

Nash: Anticipation, definitely. This is the time to make memories, and there’s no better year to do it than in your senior year. I’m ready to take on whatever’s thrown at me.

            Words of courage and wisdom from a player are certainly a promising sign for football fans. Let’s wish good luck to Chris Nash and all of the football squad as they prepare for tough games to come.