Something Greater: Timpson’s Gandy Building on Championship Culture

October 3, 2024 - This is a new year; with new staff, new goals, and most of all a new team. The positive changes that have been made on and off the field are very evident, and only being a few weeks into the 2024 season, a changing culture is on the horizon, and a new era of Timpson Bear Football is beginning to form.

Under the leadership of new head football coach and athletic director, Patrick Gandy, the Timpson Bears are defying the odds, as they jump into their upcoming season. “I am not from Timpson, but I’ve been here 13 years, so I now claim it as home. I have embraced this community, and it is evident what they expect from our kids.,” Coach Gandy said when asked about the changes he has made to the program, “Our kids understand that they are representing something greater than themselves when they go out and compete. They represent this town, community, their families, and their team.” Besides the support from his family, coaching staff, and team, Coach Gandy has a deeper motivation for accepting his position. “My dad. He was an AD/head football coach for 20+ years,” Gandy says, “He was a great leader of men, and an even better father figure to every athlete he coached. He is the main reason my motivation in this business is to ‘build relationships and serve others.’ If I can make an impact on people at every stop, like he has, I know he will be proud.”

This past year, the Bears graduated a significant number of players on both sides of the ball. With the loss of those eighteen seniors, came the new found responsibilities of multiple athletes who have had to step up, not just as players on the field, but as teammates on the sidelines. Unable to see behind the scenes, many people overlook the efforts that these athletes have made trying to fill roles that have been left behind. “Our seniors, along with guys like Mayson Harbison have stepped up and embraced the leadership role,” Coach Gandy said, “Those guys know what it takes to get where we want to go, and are leading by example during practices, while lifting, and in the classroom.” No doubt, the pressure these kids feel is heavy, yet the culture that these athletes are working to establish is far more superior.

Labeled as underdogs, this year's team has taken a hard hit as they battle the feeling of overcoming their first loss. After a 16-0 season in 2023, the idea of losing is unfamiliar. Going into this year, there has been a lot of doubt on the public’s minds questioning the abilities and success of the 2024 Timpson Bears. Ignoring what people say, Coach Gandy and his staff have big plans for the guys, and fully intend to use this experience as positive reinforcement. “I told the kids after the game, ‘losing brings out your true character’,” stated Gandy, “We learned a lot about our kids, because they aren’t used to losing, and seeing how some responded was something we needed to see as a staff and team moving forward.”

With realignment making a few changes to district matchups, the Timpson Bears will be facing a pretty competitive schedule. “I believe we have a solid district with some really good coaches and players,” Coach Gandy said when asked about his outlook on what’s ahead, “Obviously, Timpson and Garrison will be at the front, because of last year's success, but keep your eyes on Shelbyville. They have a solid program along with Joaquin. Hemphill is dropping down from 3AD2, so they will be tough; and San Augustine has a lot of returning starters off of last year’s team. A good team will get left at home when the playoffs start.” The Bears will open district play on October 11th as they face Hemphill at John Herbert Eakin Stadium