ROCKINGHAM — Head football coach Bryan Till compared his first month at Richmond Senior to having a full plate.

From getting inventory squared away to overseeing players’ progress throughout the offseason, there hasn’t been a shortage of work for the first-year coach.

“There’s plenty to do when you take over a program, but all of this stuff that I’ve got to do is all the stuff I enjoy doing,” he said. “I would say the plate is full, but it’s a good type of full. It’s a good dinner.”

Since his first official day at the school, Monday, Feb. 13, Till has spent his time trying to build relationships with his players and coaches. And a lot of that has been happening in the weight room — where the team spends its time during fourth block on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Because spring practice doesn’t begin until May, and the season until August, the coaching staff is putting more of an emphasis on players’ weaknesses off the field rather than their strengths on the field. Coach Milton Swinney, Till says, has been doing a “great job” of making sure guys are using the right technique when completing exercises.

“The field stuff is going to come once we get out there in May, but right now we’re just watching the guys work. Trying to figure out who’s going to push through certain things,” Till said. “This is what I started my career doing and that’s the best thing about this job. This is where, again, you’re building those relationships with those kids because you’re trying to help them get better.”

Aside from the team’s work in the weight room, Till says he has received a warm welcome from everyone at the school and in the community. School principal Jim Butler and athletic director Ricky Young have been instrumental in his transition, as they’ve helped out with whatever is needed and made sure things are being done in a timely manner.

“This is a great place to be. I mean, it’s everything I thought it would be,” Till said. “The spirits are high and the kids and the coaches are working hard. It’s been extremely positive in every respect and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of that.”

A parent meeting will be held in the school cafeteria next Wednesday, Mar. 15, at 6:30 p.m.

There, Till will introduce the team’s staff, go over the team’s summer schedule and talk about a few opportunities and camps that players and parents may be interested in. Anyone who wants to know about the summer schedule is welcome to attend the meeting.

“I try to be extremly organized because I know parents plan a lot around their kids’ activity — particular football because it’s so many kids. And while there may be a few changes, most of that stuff is set in stone,” Till explained. “Parents can plan vacations around dead periods and kids can make sure they’re at workouts.

“It’s a lot of good information that’ll be there at that meeting next Wednesday,” he added.

Reach sports editor Leon Hargrove Jr. at 910-817-2673 and follow the sports section on Twitter @RCDailySports.

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By Leon Hargrove Jr.

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