FOOTBALL: Robison begins culture rebuild at Chelsea
· Yahoo Sports
CHELSEA — Tim Robison wants Chelsea to win football games, but his definition of winning extends well beyond Friday nights.
As Robison prepares for his first season as a head coach, he is attempting to build something designed to last, from higher expectations in the weight room and stronger connections from youth football through high school to a champion mentality that applies whether the Green Dragons are lining up for kickoff or walking through the halls.
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The wins, Robison believes, can follow the habits.
And as Chelsea begins a new era, establishing those habits is priority No. 1.
“I'm a person that likes to produce good men and good women,” Robison said. “That’s my teaching and coaching philosophy. It's not all about football for me. Football is on the forefront, but right behind it, really close for me, is raising young men and young women.”
OVERVIEW
Robison's path to Chelsea wasn't necessarily a straight line.
The former Green Dragons assistant spent the past two years at Booker T. Washington and Owasso before superintendent Matt Hagebusch encouraged him to consider the Chelsea opening. Robison had previously spent four seasons as an assistant with the team. Conversations about Robison's career aspirations eventually led to an interview and his first opportunity to run a program.
“I’m very excited to be back,” Robison said. “I enjoy Chelsea; I like it a lot. I came back at the end of the year, and it felt like home as soon as I walked into the building, from teachers to students.”
Robison wants Chelsea football to help develop character and accountability within the program, and that means establishing standards.
Summer workouts matter. How players present themselves matters. Leadership matters.
Building stronger participation at the middle school level is part of that vision, as is developing a youth football program capable of creating a pipeline into Chelsea's older teams.
“I’m just doing some things that will make students to want to play football for Chelsea,” Robison said. “That's probably my biggest goal right now. I've had some incentives throughout the summer. I did a senior trip, and I'll do that annually. Just doing things to try to create culture for football is important here.”
Robison intends to cultivate it through leadership development, hard work and personal relationships with his players. He wants his athletes to understand that coaches aren't simply demanding more from them, they're willing to invest the work alongside them.
“I think they see my work ethic, and that reflects to them,” Robison said. “They see you working hard for them, and they think you care about them. They'll run through that wall for you.”
That approach will extend into game preparation.
The Green Dragons won't always possess a physical advantage over their opponent. Robison said he believes thorough preparation can help close those gaps, giving them an opportunity to compete regardless of who stands on the opposite sideline.
“I will make sure we are very prepared every week,” Robison said. “Sometimes the Jimmies and Joes don't match, but if we're prepared, then we can have a chance.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Robison has a senior leader capable of handling several responsibilities in Caleb Bates.
Bates will contribute at quarterback and running back, putting the ball in the hands of one of Chelsea's most experienced players in multiple ways. His leadership will be particularly important as the Green Dragons integrate younger players into prominent roles.
Chelsea also has experience where Robison will need it most, which is in the trenches.
Khaiden Yarnell and Mason Greene give the Green Dragons veteran linemen capable of providing stability on both sides of the ball. Robison has been impressed by the way each leads through his actions.
Then there is Colbe Morrison, a three-sport senior whose athleticism gives Chelsea another versatile piece to build around.
Malachi Williams and Urriah Williams bring size and athleticism to the younger portion of the roster. Robison expects both to play significant roles as they continue developing within the program.
Three freshmen have also caught his attention.
Brendon Paris, Bryson Wever and Brayden Yarnell are still at the beginning of their high school careers, but their combination of potential and speed has Robison optimistic about what they could eventually become.
“Paris may be the fastest kid on the team,” Robison said. “He may be right behind Caleb [Bates].”
For a first-year coach, there will inevitably be mistakes along the way. There may be losses, too.
Robison's challenge, however, is ensuring Chelsea learns from them.
Because before the Green Dragons can consistently produce championship results, their new coach wants them to learn championship habits.
“You don't lose if you learn from it, no matter what the scoreboard says,” Robison said. “If we learn from it, we can continue on and continue to grow.”