By Kyle LoJacono
Zephyrhills football coach Reggie Roberts took over the program in January 2010 and says he has changed a lot from the person he was last year.
The Bulldogs last reached the playoffs in 2006 with an 8-3 record under coach Tom Fisher, which was also the last year the program had a winning season. Zephyrhills went 2-8 last season, but won two of its last three games; illustrating Roberts may be turning things around at his alma mater.
The second-year coach recently talked with The Laker about beginning his second year at the helm.
Q: How are you different from the person who took over this program last year?
A: I’m better because of last year I think, and I’ve learned a lot too. Head coach of a football team deals with a lot more than just coaching football. Last year I didn’t coach as much football as I wanted to because I was dealing with those other things, but I’m going to do more coaching this year. I have already in the spring.
Q: So was it about learning what to focus on as well as learning how to coach football?
A: Absolutely. I’ve learned to spend my time dealing with those things I can change and those things I can’t change I don’t worry about because I can’t change them anyway. My focus is now in this locker room with the kids.
Q: How much support have you gotten from the school?
A: The administration has been awesome. Coach (Bruce) Cimorelli, my athletic director, has been amazing too. I’m very fortunate to have good people around me who continue to give me wisdom. But like everyone, some of the things I’ve had to learn by putting my hand on the stove.
Q: Have you gotten any help from your old coach Tom Fisher?
A: I talk to Tom Fisher nearly every day here at school. He is still a teacher here and we talk about football, we talk about other things. I just pick his brain and I’m not ashamed to say that at all. He did great things here and I want to get us back to the Tom Fisher days.
Q: You know as well as anyone the people of Zephyrhills love their high school football. How do you get them excited about Friday nights again?
A: It takes hard work in every practice, every workout and every opportunity we have to get better. We’re working every day and we think we’ll have a team in the fall the community will love to come out and watch.
