“Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

“Character is What You Are In The Dark.”

“Winners are naturally bullish!”

“Leadership is influence.”

“He who does not tire, tires adversity.”

These hand-painted signs line the walls as you walk into the weight room at the Robertsdale Golden Bear fieldhouse.

There is one other hand-painted sign on the wall leading into the coaches offices at the fieldhouse. It is one that has been painted higher than all the others and says simply, “Bear Country.”

With the hiring of several new coaches, including new offensive and defensive coordinators, coach Scott Phelps hopes all signs point to this being the year the Golden Bears turn the corner to a winning football team.

“We definitely brought these guys in to create a new atmosphere for our team,” said Phelps, who begins his fifth season at the RHS helm in 2010. “It will also allow me to look out for the total program and be able to focus more on individual groups during practice.”

Robertsdale’s goals this season are simple — to have a winning record, win games in the Region and to reach the playoffs, a seemingly tall order considering the Bears have made the playoffs just once and have never had a winning record as a 6A program.

But with the new additions combined with a strong group of longtime coaches, a revamped offseason workout schedule and a talented group of players at the skill positions, Phelps is confident the team can make it happen.

“These kids have worked hard all summer and have come into fall practice knowing that they have an opportunity to be successful,” he said.

For the full story, see GCN's annual Gridiron Preview on Wednesday, August 11.