Photo by Bart Moss
Summer workouts are an integral part of any high school’s football program, and the same is true for the Phil Campbell Bobcats.

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

If the Phil Campbell Bobcats are going to build on their first play-off appearance since 2005, it’s going to be because of leadership and experience at key positions.
Summer workouts are to test and build on that leadership foundation that Coach Ryan Swinney says will be key to a successful 2015 season.
“We have everyone participating this summer,” said Swinney. “We have seen a lot of progress and a lot of potential for this group.”
The Bobcats summer program consists of one to two hours of weight training and conditioning in the early morning hours that includes pulling old tires, running stadium steps, running the hill in front of the field house and distance running in the neighborhood around the school.
“We have some older players who are holding the younger guys accountable for being at workouts and working hard while they are here,” said Swinney. “Getting kids up at 7 a.m. is not easy. That is where leadership comes in. Being held accountable by your teammates, to me, is a building block for success.”
Swinney said the goal is to be in game condition by the time official practice begins Aug. 3.
“We have to be ready to hit the ground running when we start practice,” said Swinney. “We can’t wait until practice starts to start getting in game shape.”
One reason for the urgency is the Bobcats open their regular season Aug. 21.
“We don’t have the luxury of time,” said Swinney. “When practice starts, we need to be getting ready for the opener at Falkville. We will only have just over two weeks to get ready. That first game will be key for us. We had trouble with them last year, and we want to get off to a good start this year and set the tone for the rest of the season.”
Swinney said July will be key for his team as they become more football focused.
“We have a lot of guys who play multiple sports. Many of them have been involved in basketball and baseball play dates in June. Most of that will wind down and we can get focused on football in July.”
The Bobcats will travel to Mars Hill July 7 for a 7-on-7 team camp.