GHS Football Head Coach’s new approach to training has resulted in team firsts and winning community attitudes and morale.

Chad Leaphart was hired as Gilbert High School’s Head Football Coach and Athletic Director in 2016.

In Leaphart and his new staff’s first coaching year, the GHS football team won its first regional championship, with a 10 – 2 season, then achieved a 12 – 1 season in 2017, making it to the 3rd round of the playoffs. He has high hopes for this season, “We were home for the playoffs last year, and we hope to make another run in the playoffs this year.”

Leaphart says his studies in US and World History are a factor in his formula behind the Gilbert High School Football’s recent winning seasons.

He grew up in Gilbert and played football at GHS. He attained his Bachelor of Arts in History from Newberry College, and a Masters of Education in Teaching at Southern Wesleyan University. He taught US History and World History from 1997 to 2016 at Pelion, Strom Thurmond and Swansea High Schools.

Leaphart says it may be surprising to some people that his knowledge of US and World History provides lessons for team success.

“Mainly to learn from mistakes of the past. We learn that from football. You see things play out so many times now that you try to anticipate and do things to be successful and prevent that they will be unsuccessful. You learn things from the past (that did not work) and you try not to repeat it. Every day you learn what we did that was good and what was not so good.”

Now, in 2018, Leaphart says the GHS football players got their first ever opportunity to play two 5-A high school football teams; Lexington and River Bluff.

“When contracts came up for scheduling this year, LHS Coach Marty Fulbright thought, since our teams never get to play each other, it would be great for our community because it will bring together so many people who know each other from work and their children’s activities in Lexington recreational sports. Lexington has always been the big 5-A and we were always 3-A.”

” GHS played Lexington and 5-A River Bluff High schools this year. We lost, but the event set another record for Gilbert High School. “Our stadium got so full that some of the Gilbert fans had to sit on the visitor’s side bleachers for the first time ever.”

The GHS football team had winning seasons off and on for the past 20 years, but was 2 – 8 in 2015. Leaphart says, “Things dropped off and it affected morale.”

Leaphart says Lexington District 1 and Gilbert High School hiring staff considered his past accomplishments, including his involvement in Strom Thurmond High School’s 2005 3-A State Championship, before offering the head football coach and athletic director positions at GHS.

Former GHS Principal Ann O’Cain, who was principal when Leaphart was hired, said there were more than 80 applications during the time they were searching for a new coach.

“We had some outstanding candidates to apply for the position, but Chad knocked our socks off!”

O’Cain says Leaphart started his football career playing for GHS.

“Chad is just a class act and it was an honor for me as a school leader to bring a hometown boy in to lead our athletic program and be the head ball coach.”

Parents and students are pleased with the changes Leaphart has brought to the school and the community. Debbie Reeder, mother of former GHS football player, Rab Reeder, says she was very happy when they hired Coach Leaphart.

“It was a refreshing change to have a coach that had our boys best interest at heart. He truly cares about each and every one of them as if they were his own. He took the time to look at each one as an individual as well as a team.”

Reeder says Leaphart’s coaching has increased wins and fan excitement.

The coach’s last position was Head Football Coach at Swansea High School. Leaphart also held positions of Assistant Athletic Director, Head Track and Field Coach, and Student Assistant Football Coach in those schools. He was a football letterman at New-berry College.

Leaphart’s philosophy for success is working longer and harder, following other good programs he has observed out of state. “Part of our methods and mentality we brought in are, we are going to outwork people - have off-season Spring and Summer training with a 7 on 7 coaching staff. This puts us in a position to be successful on Friday Night.”

The GHS football coach says you may expect parents to be concerned that their kids are spending too much time practicing, but, they understand you have to work hard to succeed.

“In our business, you will always get some parent complaints, that is the society we work in. This community is full of hard-working people who understand to be successful, you need to put in hard work.”

One factor that inspires Leaphart to encourage a winning attitude for the community, is his family involvement. His wife, Elean supports his extra hours of work for the team. His 16-year-old son, Jack, plays offensive line, and his 14-year-old son, Gray is a line-backer on the JV team. His 10-year-old daughter, Ella, is a 5th grade cheerleader.

“This is definitely a motivator, but you treat all the players on the team like your (kids). They need to know you care about them and they will work hard for you and play hard.”

Although he spends time with his sons playing football, insuring the success of the team does require sacrifices. “We learn life lessons every year. You can’t always be about ‘me-me-me,’ you give up time you could be spending with your family.”

As for the future, Leaphart wants the players to “be the best that they can be and the best in the state.

“To be able to compete with anybody in the state and hold their heads high. Be proud with Indian pride”