The Clarke Central High School varsity football team won its first two games of the season against Winder-Barrow and Oconee County High Schools. Head football coach David Perno believes part of the team’s success can be attributed to the emphasis placed on success both on and off the field. “My strategy is really building a program and not just having a football team that shows up and tries to win on Fridays,” Perno said. “From the classroom to the football field, to the community, (the program should) help these young men be prepared for the next steps in their lives.” Photo by Krista Shumaker
For the 2018-19 school year, the Clarke Central High School varsity football team expanded its academic support program for players.
The Clarke Central High School football team implemented a mandatory study hall and academic mentor program for players at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year.
According to CCHS head varsity football coach David Perno, the team has a history of holding study halls for the most at-risk players, but the new program requires all varsity players to attend study halls before practice on Mondays and Wednesdays and involves a mentorship aspect.
“We’re going to have older guys that are good students knock out their work and then start helping the younger kids,” Perno said. “Our coaches are going to help and we’re going to reach out and get some tutors on occasion so we’re going to do everything in our power to give (players) the resources to be successful in the classroom, on the field and in the community.”
CCHS senior and varsity football defensive back Edwin Summerour believes the study halls benefit him personally and will lead the team to success on the field.
“In study hall I finished a project, and I’ve finished a lot of homework so when I get home after I’m tired from practice I can just shower and go to bed. It keeps me on track with everything and builds great study habits,” Summerour said. “I feel like study hall is really why we (have won all our games so far this season). It’s all the little things in the classroom and not getting in trouble that helps us be 2-0.”
For Perno, this study program is a priority because of his commitment to players’ success in all areas of their life.
“I’m committed to my players on and off the field because I don’t think one works without the other. You have to have both intertwined and that’s how things come together for you,” Perno said. “If our players are doing the right thing off the field, I don’t worry about them on the field. They are great football players.”
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