Catholic private school, Mount de Sales Academy, located in Macon, Georgia, announces the return of Championship Coach Robert Slocum, alumnus from the class of 1974, to serve as head football coach and advancement associate for the 2026-2027 academic year. This year is also the 150-year anniversary of Mount de Sales Academy’s founding. 

Slocum was a student-athlete under head coach Mike Garvin, architect of the MDS football program. As a running back, he was a member of the GISA championship teams in 1970, 1971, and 1973. He was the leading rusher on the 1973 state championship team with 1,236 yards on 159 carries, placing him third on the all-time single-season rushing list at Mount de Sales. Slocum was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in football for four years, basketball for three, and baseball for two.

Slocum attended Savannah State on a football scholarship and returned to Mount de Sales after graduation. He coached track, tennis, baseball, football, and basketball. Upon Garvin’s retirement as head football coach, he handed over the program to Slocum in 1991, who led the 1996 team to a championship season. Slocum was named athletic director in 1993. He retired as head football coach after 23 seasons in 2014 and as athletic director in 2015. He was inducted into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame for the 2020 class. 

“I have never really left Mount de Sales.” Slocum shared, “I was just sitting on the back row observing, so to speak. I didn’t expect to be back on the sideline after ten years, but I’m thankful for the opportunity. Mount de Sales is family to me and when family reaches out, you respond. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the GIAA/ GISA since 2021. It is a great organization. Coaching for me has always been about the relationships you develop with players and the assistant coaches, and I’m excited to get to work with them again.”

In the late 1990s, Slocum was instrumental in the development and founding of Cavalier Fields, the Academy’s 77-acre premier athletic complex. In 2014, the field house was named in his honor to commemorate his dedication to athletics. He served as director of special gifts in the advancement office from 2014 to 2021.

“I am extremely excited for the next chapter of MDS football under the guidance of Coach Robert Slocum.” Kenny Epps, athletic director and MDS class of 2004, shared,” I have seen firsthand the impact he can have on a young man’s life, both on and off the field. I cannot think of a more fitting way to celebrate our 150th year than by welcoming back such a strong pillar of our community. With a deep understanding of the environment within our current league, the GIAA, along with a wealth of football knowledge and experience—including guiding dozens of student-athletes to the collegiate level—Coach Slocum is the perfect man for the job. His championship pedigree and passion for the game will be tremendous assets to Mount de Sales.”