Timpson ISD is more than a State Championship
As a newspaperman, I have been fortunate enough to cover that “rare” story more than once. That story that makes the little hairs on your arms stand up when you hear it for the first time. The story can be about sacrifice, it can be about love, but now and then, the story is about an entire community of love, pride, and sacrifice.
I arrived in Shelby County, Texas, on the last day of October 2023. I remember the date specifically not for the holiday, but because that foggy night, a deer stepped out in front of my brand-new Nissan Kicks, obliterating the front end and sending the car to the insurance company as a total loss. My fiancé was okay; the deer and the car were about even when the total damage was assessed on the road that night.
It was a Tuesday night, and I would take on my new position at The Light and Champion the following Monday, Nov. 6.
When I walked into the office, I asked where the schools of Shelby County stood regarding the UIL Playoffs and which team had the best chance at a State Title appearance. The answer was the Timpson Bears. Later that week, I would meet the head coach of the Center Rough Riders during a weekly podcast at the local pizza place, and I asked him as well. Timpson, he replied, noting that the Rough Riders would see at least the third round.
That Friday, Timpson faced Corrigan-Camden, and even though I was slammed busy with moving and the new job, I got the game results and knew the Bears had won the game resoundingly. I arrived at the office the following Monday and informed the staff of the Light and Champion that Timpson was the real deal and it was time for us to get to work.
First up was a special section to honor the Shelby County teams. A section called “Friday Night Lights; A Year In Review.” When that section was published, Timpson had made quick work of every team in their historic path except Ganado and what would become Tolar. I knew then Timpson would go all the way.
I was met with mixed feelings from businesses as we called to sell the advertising necessary to make a special section just for the Bears. Then the Bears won the title, the apprehension faded, and the pride swelled. The poster was sold in a day, and I knew the community would have several things to hold onto as keepsakes.
When the Bears won, the newspaper sold out in a day, not just in Timpson but throughout Shelby County. We printed more the next day and sold most of those in Timpson. Often, 10, 20, and even 50 flew out of local Timpson retailer locations and out of the back of my car. But all of this I expected, having served a few State Championship teams in my career. Knowing this team had made the community proud was a no-brainer. I knew how the city would react to posters and sections and the promotion of the team I had seen all before. So why am I writing this?
Today, I met a man who said, “I wish the real story could be told.” I asked the real story, and he replied, “The story of these kids and the hardships they have gone through in their lives and the fact that they all stood together to accomplish this amazing goal.” He continued, “This is an impoverished school; some kids were just looking for a place to sleep. Looking for food and even a home.”
I thought to myself that the story had been told already. I saw it during the game at half-time; I have heard every coach interviewed talk about these kids. No, that’s not the real story, but at that moment, I figured out the real story, and I told you all of that above to tell you this...
It took these people to create this school. Every adult who interacts with these kids is solely responsible. The direct results of their actions can be seen in that championship. Every secretary, janitor, principal, school board member, booster club sponsor, teacher, bus driver, and every adult at home is responsible for these kids and the type of young adults they will become and have become.
It’s not just a championship game in 2023; it’s a culture change that began years ago at Timpson ISD when a group of adults decided to make a difference in their children’s lives. By holding each child accountable and offering a nurturing environment of learning and discipline. By rewarding success and educating from failure. These adults are always encouraging these children and telling them, “Yes, you can do it,” no matter what “it” was.
Do you want the real success story of Timpson ISD and the community surrounding these young men and women? Look at the culture change from within the school and see for yourself a group of adults that did not turn away but embraced these children and, in turn, have created a fine bunch of kids. From band to cheerleaders, football players, and geeks on a computer, these children are the product of a dedicated group of adults who decided they could do better and then did.
Congratulations, Timpson ISD, you are much more than a State Championship Football Team; you are a State Championship School.