Alabama A&M Head Coach Shade: ‘Da Chase’ is always on

NORMAL — At his introductory news conference Monday, Alabama A&M Head Football Coach Sam Shade cut to “Da Chase.”

“’Da Chase’ will always be on,” Shade said of his program’s core values “Da Chase 2025.” “We’re always chasing perfection in the classroom, on the field, in the community.”

“Da Chase” stands for:

• Discipline: “Everything we do in this program will start with discipline.”
• Accountability: “We have to be accountable to this program and to ourselves.”
• Character: “We want our players to work on doing what they’re supposed to do when nobody’s watching.”
• Habits: “We become whatever our habits are. If we have championship habits, we will become champions on and off the field.”
• Attitude: “We’ve got to have great attitudes as players. I always ask, ‘Where else would you rather be?’ If you’re a player or coach and you have that passion, desire, and love for the game, you’re going to say, ‘Right here, right now!’”
• Sacrifice: “Only seven percent of high school student-athletes play college football. That’s a very small number. There’s a reason for that. Everybody can’t do it. It takes sacrifice.”
• Excellence: “Expect excellence out of your teammates and your coaches. Strive for excellence for yourself each and every day.”

Shade, who played on the 1992 national champion Alabama Crimson Tide and in the NFL,  shared his goals for the Bulldogs.

“Ultimately, my vision for the Alabama A&M University football program is to develop a championship football program on and off the field that graduates its football student-athletes at a very high rate,” he said.

Shade then outlined clear goals that were met with enthusiastic applause.

“The first one is to win the game played at Legion Field in Birmingham,” he said. “The second one is to win the SWAC East. The third is to win the SWAC Championship game and host it at Louis Crews Stadium.

“The last is to win the Celebration Bowl, the Black College National Championship.”

Shade called for fans, alumni and boosters to rally behind the team.

“I expect you all to support this football program in every way you possibly can,” he said. “You can start by coming out to the Spring Football Game. We will set that date soon. Buy your season tickets and show up for every game. Show up and show out as a fan base. Give this football program and this university the love and respect it deserves.

“Talk proudly and positively about Alabama A&M University and its football program.”

He also pledged to connect Huntsville’s NCAA Division I program with the community.

“Our football program will get out and engage with you in community service events, and give our time to young people in this community,” he said. “To the boosters, donors, and alumni groups – I’m coming to see you.”