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Field house plays big role in Carroll's winning culture

Southlake Carroll High School's football team moved into its field house in 2001.

Southlake Carroll High School's football team moved into its field house in 2001.

It has an indoor practice field, a display case for the team's many trophies, locker rooms -- just like any other field house. But the way it's designed is significant.

Dragons Head Coach Hal Wasson escorted us past two trophy cases filled to capacity.

"So as they walk through these trophies, it becomes paramount to them that, I've got a legacy to uphold," said Wasson.

This is his 10th season as head coach at Carroll. His son Chase was the 2002 Player of the Year when Carroll won State. Hal was the running backs coach for that team.

"So there's a lot of history here, a lot of symbolism here." he said.

The Dragons have won eight state championships. No 11-man program has more.

When players walk in the main entrance of the field house, there is a slight incline that leads straight to the display case that holds the state championship trophies.

Wasson explained the symbolism.

"As they journey up this mountain top -- this incline -- they know it's a long, tedious process and the closer you get to the top, that's what's at the end, that's the prize."

The pictures in this Hall of Champions are reserved for only the best of the best.

"And the only way you get in this hallway is you have to be a state champion, or a player of the year," said Wasson.

Coach was happy to show us everywhere except the Varsity football locker room. And there's a strict rule: players and coaches are only allowed inside.

"We love the sanctity of that locker room," said Wasson, who noted the only exception to that rule is for senior mothers who visit it before the season starts.

"We try to keep that very special for special people."

This is the field house at Southlake Carroll High School. The winning culture starts here.

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