Q&A with Head Coach David Rocker

WEST POINT, Ga (August 22, 2013)- This week, first year Head Football Coach David Rocker discussed how his team prepares for their home opener against Bluefield College on August 31, 2013.

When did you know you wanted to get into coaching?

"I had no desire to coach because for such a long period in my life football reined as an idol in my life. The only association I had with the game was imparting all that I knew about the game into the lives of my two sons when they expressed interest in playing. My official coaching career started when a friend of mine became head coach at a local high school in Atlanta. He expressed to me that he didn't just want to build a football team but he wanted to build a program with character being the focus. That peaked my interested and got me involved into coaching."

Which coach did you feel influenced you the most as a player? Do you feel you have adopted a particular style from that coach?

"To name one would be difficult. My high school coach Willie Hunter, Pat Dye, the head coach at Auburn and Wayne Hall my position coach at Auburn are three men who were cut from the same mold. They believed in the philosophy of working hard even when others were not watching. They all stressed discipline and no one player ever being bigger than the team. They also believed in teaching you balance, being able to be a terror on the field and a strong man of character off the field. So, I would say I have adopted the best of all of what they instilled in me."

What was your first offseason program like and how did it benefit your team?

"We were not a very physically or mentally strong team last season. I knew we had to spend a lot of time in the weight room and we did just that. It has benefited us greatly with the players being stronger physically and it has brought a sense of confidence to the team. The overall impact should also act as preventative medicine and lessen the number of injuries we encounter throughout the season."

What philosophies can we expect from Skyhawks this season on offense and defense?

"You can expect to see a more physical team on both sides of the ball and players playing with more passion and confidence."

How are your incoming student-athletes adapting to manage their studies and spiritual lives along with their football responsibilities?

"I strongly believe in structure and making sure that we have a plan in place that helps to keep the athletes focused on what is priority, and my staff has done that. I believe in the mission of Point University and my players know that, so they know that getting an education and growing in their walk with Christ far outweighs the luxury of football."

Bluefield comes in for the first game of the season on August 31^st and they have a new head coach. How are you and your staff preparing for in the home opener?

"We are preparing the same way they are. They are coming in with a new coach leading the way and I will be making my debut as the new head coach here at Point. So we are both going into this first game blind."

If you had to pinpoint 3 things that will be the keys to victory against Bluefield, what would they be?

"Effort, playing hard and fast. Discipline, doing your assignment. Endurance, never ever quit."

What players have emerged as leaders thus far in training camp?

"Albert Trammell, Donta Freeman, Antonio Dubose and Rod Tolen."