CHELSEA – Dustin Goodwin drove by Chelsea High School many times and thought it would be a good opportunity for a football coach.

Now he is finding out just how good of an opportunity it is to lead the school’s football program.

“Never once did it cross my mind I would be here,” Goodwin told the Chelsea Business Alliance at a luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Chelsea Community Center. “My family and I are excited to be in Chelsea.”

Goodwin, a Demopolis High School graduate who came to Chelsea in late May from Plainview High School, and the Hornets are off to an 0-3 start, but there are reasons for optimism.

Goodwin said he three goals for the program are to create consistency, fight complacency and mold good people.

The main part of consistency is doing what you are supposed to do, Goodwin said.

“Once you’re out in the workforce, showing up is half the battle,” he said.

Complacency can be avoided by working to improve on a daily basis.

“As long as we’re moving forward, we’re doing the right thing,” Goodwin said. “Once we get them to our standards, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

Goodwin said he wants players to enjoy their time in high school and being part of the football program, including playing other sports if they desire.

Goodwin said he wants Chelsea to have a family-oriented football program. Part of that is not requiring players and coaches to work or practice over the weekends so they can focus on family.

Long term, Chelsea is a fast-growing community and in the not-too-distant future could be a Class 7A program.

“We have a lot of good families here, and because of that we have a lot of good kids here,” Goodwin said. “I believe in what Chelsea can be. I believe in what it is—it’s a great place—but I was always told to leave it better than you found it.”