Fans, key piece of Tiger pride
When I accepted the writing position here at The Reporter, I didn’t know what to expect. I had no idea where Rockdale was and wasn’t sure how people would respond to me. One thing I did know was that football in Texas was a big deal. I’d watched Texas high school football movies like “Friday Night Lights” and “Varsity Blues” and assumed that Rockdale football would fall somewhere along those lines.
I’d heard about Texas powerhouse high schools like Desoto and North Shore, but never Rockdale.
Once I moved here, I realized how much football meant to the community. Everyone told me the rich tradition and prestige of RHS football and how proud they were of the program. As football season inches closer, I wanted to get a more in-depth look at the RHS football team and its relationship with the community.
So I tapped into the mind of the man in charge, Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey.
I’ve watched Campsey interact with the athletes at workouts and he demonstrates a genuine joy being around student athletes and they all respect him.
Campsey has spent the last six years as defensive coordinator for the Tigers. As Campsey gears up for his first season as head coach, he said that he hasn’t thought about the pressures that come with taking over a winning program.
“I try to stay busy to not feel any of the pressure,” Campsey said. “I have to do things the Jacob Campsey way. I can’t be anybody else.”
Campsey also praised the Rockdale community for their support during football season and throughout the year.
“The community is probably the biggest reason my family and I chose to stay here,” Campsey said. “It’s a special place to be. The community supports us in everything we do.”
Senior quarterback Jace Robinson also expressed how much he appreciates the support of the community.
“The fans have been great these past few years,” Robinson said. “They always pack the stadium, especially for the Battle of the Bell game. Hopefully, they’ll be able to do the same this year despite COVID.”
Robinson, who has been starting for the varsity team since his sophomore year, is following a family tradition when he puts on the Tiger jersey.
“It just feels good playing and representing for those that played before me,” Robinson said. “My grandfather, Randy Morgan, played on the 1976 state championship team so it’s a great feeling to be playing now.”
After living in Rockdale the past three months, it’s evident that the fan base has great love for the school. When I drive around town, I see tiger paws and “TFND” posted on roads and windows.
I thought who would be better to talk to about the community aspect of Rockdale sports than my co-worker Mike Brown.
Brown has lived in Rockdale for over 60 years and has been a member of The Rockdale Reporter staff for 46 years. He covered sports for 34 years.
“I’ve seen football bring people together and break the community apart over the years. It’s definitely a huge deal here in Rockdale,” Brown said.
Mike also told me about how the 2017 state championship was more than just a victory.
“In October 2017, Luminant announced they were shutting down the plant in January,” Brown said. “Rockdale needed something to be proud of and the football team gave that to us.”
It makes me happy to see a community that supports their team. As I attended Saturday’s Drive-Through Fish Fry, it warmed my heart to see cars backed up into the street, waiting in line to give back to the kids.
It made me feel great to have people who had never met me before treat me like I was one of their own. People said they enjoy reading my stories and gave compliments on how I do a great job.
It means a lot to know that the work I put in is appreciated. I do not take everyone’s kindness for granted.
As I await the rulings from the UIL, I look forward to covering this year’s football season and to seeing what being an RHS Tiger is all about.
Thank you all for your continued support of my writings and motivating me to continue to do great work for the city of Rockdale.
Go Tigers.