CAIRO — David Coleman knows first-hand what football means to Cairo.

He is a graduate of the school. He’s served as an assistant coach with the Cairo Syrupmakers for 10 years. When the team begins summer workouts on Tuesday morning, he’ll be leading the Syrupmakers as head coach.

“It’s been good, been exciting. It’s time to focus and work hard,” Coleman said. “Cairo’s a good place, a special place, great community. They care about football here. It’s really exciting.”

A lot has occurred in the last week within the Syrupmakers football program. News of former Cairo coach Steve DeVoursney’s retirement leaked on Thursday. Cairo announced on Friday that Coleman would be his successor, ahead of summer workouts which begin this week. Coleman’s philosophy will be simple this summer when the Syrupmakers take the field.

“I think it’s time for us to just focus one day at a time and just take it for what it is. If we can do that and work hard, I think we’ll be OK,” Coleman said. “If we can just take the summer and work as hard as we can to get better each and every day, that’s our focus. In doing so, that will help prepare us for the upcoming season.

“The biggest thing is Cairo. If we focus, work hard and stay disciplined, then that can help us in the long run.”

Cairo football finished 7-4 last year. It will open the season at Thomas County Central on Aug. 19. Its region next season will consist of Westover, Bainbridge, Hardaway and Shaw.