New year…..new attitude
Published 3:47 pm Tuesday, July 30, 2024
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BIRMINGHAM, ALA. – With the 2024 Chowan University football season approaching, the team has been gearing for another year in the perennially competitive and nationally known Gulf South Conference.
Paul Johnson returns for his second season as the head football coach at Chowan University. The 2024 season opens Sept. 7 at long-time local rival Elizabeth City State. File Photo / Cal Bryant
Conference officials hosted its annual Media Day on July 25 at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham where coaches and players previewed their upcoming seasons.
Chowan’s second year head coach Paul Johnson and junior offensive lineman Noah Horton represented the Hawks at the event.
Coach Johnson said he is optimistic about the Hawks chances to compete in the league after a year of experience under his belt.
“Year one was a great learning experience,” stated Johnson. “We brought in 17 new transfers for this upcoming year and signed a big high school class, but it comes down to discipline, we have to have a disciplined program and culture. Looking at the program last year, I think that is what we lacked.
“Right now we have a close knit program that is heading in the right direction,” the coach continued. “This year my main focus is to play better team football. The first two games of the season will be huge. Elizabeth City is our main focus right now during summer workouts.”
Horton, a native of Roanoke, Virginia, agreed that having a year of experience in the league will help the Hawks this year.
“The focus is wins,” stated Horton. “Stop worrying about all the other stuff, and really lock in to what we have going on. We are heading upwards. If everyone just buys in, and we’re all in the boat, we will be fine.”
“I’m excited about my hiring on defense,” said Johnson, “I hired Tony Gilbert. He’s got a ton of experience, great leadership, and Gulf South Conference experience with Mississippi College. I’m excited to see what he can do, and I think he will do a phenomenal job.”
Chowan will kick off the 2024 season at 1 p.m. on September 7 on the road against Elizabeth City State. Chowan’s home opener will be at 6 p.m. on September 14 against Barton.
Gulf South Conference play will begin on September 28 against Mississippi College. That contest will mark Homecoming at Chowan.