ALPINE — Winterboro introduced new head football coach David Nurnberg to the community on Tuesday evening in the school’s gymnasium.

Nurnberg said he adores what Winterboro High School has to offer.

“There are a lot of tools and a lot of things going on at Winterboro that are going to let us be successful in a way that I have never had before,” Nurnberg said. “We have dedicated kids. I have seen the guys on the film and I love the way you play. We have dedicated parents and we have a community that gets involved, which is obvious by the turnout tonight. We have a community that’s interested in the success of the football program and all athletics. I figure that stems from upbringing. I think it stems from the type of standards that you set for yourself and the goals that you try to reach. That is what I am all about — setting a goal and going for it.”

Nurnburg teaches English and believes that education is very important. He said he plans to stress the importance of qualifying academically to his upperclassmen.

“I am big on academics,” Nurnberg said. “I love that you have programs for the ACT. I love that you think the ACT test is so important. That is something that we are really going to try to harp on especially with the juniors and seniors coming up. College is a big part of what we are trying to do.”

The Auburn graduate lives by two mottos. He believes these two ways of life will help you be successful in every phase of life.

“I am a character guy,” Nurnberg said. “I believe in character first. The guys that are going to play are going to learn very quickly that there are two things that I harp on. One of them is being great at everything that you can control. I think there are a lot things that we have within our power that will help us be successful on the field, that helps us be successful in the classroom and that will help us be successful in life. I think a lot of times we try to focus on things that we can’t control, things that are outside of our power and things that other people do. We have no control over it and it gets in the way. I am also big on 'no excuses.' I know that is something you guys have stamped on some T-shirts. I have seen them, and I would be wearing one, but they are out of them. I am big on 'no excuses' and I live by it myself. I believe for all sports and all academics there is no reason to not get something done if you set your mind to it and try to be great at everything you can control. Those are some of the ideas we are going to be looking at moving forward.”

Nurnberg coached at Jordan High School in Columbus, Ga., before being hired as the Bulldogs' coach. In his three seasons at helm the Red Jackets went 7-23.

Last season, Nurnberg’s team went 0-10. During his second year as head coach he led Jordan High School to their most wins (four) since 1996.

Winterboro, on the other hand, has became a power in Class 1A. Last season, the Bulldogs went 10-2 and lost to Sweet Water in the second round of the playoffs.

“There is nobody that is more ready for a win in the fall more than me,” Nurnburg said. “I guarantee you that. I think the way that you go about trying to win has to reflect your personality and character. Success on the field prepares you for success afterwards. You have to get ready for life and every lesson that we teach.”

Nurnburg said he can’t wait to start spring practice in May.

“I am excited about getting up here for spring,” Nurnburg said. “I am excited about seeing how the athletic program runs as a whole. I know you guys have seen success and I hope that has made you hungry. I hope that has you wanting more, because I am hungry. I am ready for success, I am ready for some wins and I am ready to get back to competing. I can’t stand the offseason; I am ready to put the pads on. Hopefully, it has made you guys hungry in all our sports, but we are also going to be hungry in the classroom and we are going to be hungry in the community when we show them what we are made of.”

Read more:The Daily Home - New era at Winterboro Nurnberg introduced as head football coach