Jimmy Tompkins defines being the chaplain for the Chilton County High School football team as being an encourager.

He prays with the team at practices, football games and other team events. He has devotions with the team from time to time, including those on Thursday afternoons before the team walk-through. He also helps distribute food and Gatorade as well.

One Sunday, the team visited his church, Clanton First Baptist, where he is the minister of music.

“I just need to be there for them,” he told the Clanton Lions Club. “You never know what kind of an impact you make when you encourage someone.”

Tompkins became affiliated with the CCHS Tigers through a relationship with local pastor Tony Hughes. Tompkins prayed about becoming the team chaplain and later decided to be the chaplain.

One thing he has stressed to the team is taking ownership of the team.

“Everyone hasn’t bought in to what coach (Brian) Carter wants to do,” Tompkins said. “He’s a great coach, and I think he will help the team improve.”

What he and Carter hope to promote among the team is to build a strong Fellowship of Christian Athletes program.

“It’s a great program,” he said.

One thing he hopes everyone will do is to be an encouragement to the people around you.

“Encourage students. You never know what they are going through at home,” Tompkins. “Make yourself available to them.”