The Andre Cook era lasted one year. He stepped down in March to take over at Mauldin High School. A month later, Airport tabbed former Ashley Ridge head coach Shane Fidler to be the program’s third head coach in as many seasons.
“Having the kids getting to know me is key,” Fidler told The Columbia Star in April. “Letting them know I care is key to them buying in. If I go out there and show them I care about them, they’ll do the same for me. It’s been a tough couple of years for them with results and coaching changes. I have to bring stability and organization. We have to move forward in the same direction.”
Fidler takes over an Eagles program that has won a total seven games total in three seasons.
“The number one thing is accountability,” Fidler said. “You have to hold kids accountable. From there, we have to get out in the community and recruit our hallways. We have to make sure the kids want to be a part of our football program.”
So far things have gone well for Fidler.
“It’s different,” Fidler said. “At first I was planning on returning to a team for a fourth year and growing the system. Then I get the Airport job and I have to install the systems for the staff. I had to treat everyone like they knew nothing. The kids have responded well. We are further along than I expected.”
For the Eagles to improve, they need better production from both sides of the ball.
In 2022, Airport’s offense averaged 14.9 points and 202.7 yards per game.
Eagles fans will see new faces on that side of the ball as Jesse Ray Hoover takes over at quarterback for Kyle Chavis. Hoover gained some experience last year. Fidler said he took the reins during the spring and wants to see if his signal caller can continue to win the job as the summer continues.
Top wide receiver Apollos Cook is also gone. Avery Jones will look to step into that role.
The Eagles will have an experienced offensive line led by Dylan Barbrey, who has received a lot of looks from colleges. This unit had a difficult spring as a position coach wasn’t available at that time.
Airport’s defense also had a tough 2022 season, giving up 28.1 points and 319.3 yards per game.
Cornerback Kelby Stroman, along with linebackers Jacobi Cullum, Bryant Cherry, Montrelle Keys, and Trey Neil, will headline that side of the ball. The foursome at linebacker appears to be one of the team’s strengths.
Fidler has seen his players react positively to his coaching style.
“The kids have been thirsty for structure and discipline,” Fidler said. “The kids responded well. We have had 90-plus kids at workouts. They are doing what they are supposed to do. They have bought into changing the culture and have not bucked at what is being sold.”
There is some room to build momentum in 2023. A visit to 3A Swansea, a game which the Tigers won 19-6 last season, might be a good start.
One particular area Airport needs to improve on is it’s head-to-head record against Brookland-Cayce, a rivalry that has been one-sided lately in favor of the Bearcats.
Games against Lamar, Lugoff-Elgin, and Fox Creek might also be opportunities for the Eagles to pick up some wins. A trip to Irmo is going to be tough.
Then there is Region 4-4A play, starting with a trip to Aiken. That game and a trip to South Aiken two weeks later sandwich a visit from Midland Valley. The Eagles finish the regular season hosting North Augusta.
The road to success and the postseason will be a difficult one for Airport in 2023. However, Fidler has made no secret what his expectations are.
“I think we can come out and set the culture in year one,” Fidler said. “The ultimate goal is to hang banners. It’s what I set out to do. That’s what we want to accomplish. I want to fight for the players and the program and put the kids in position to be successful.”
Caption:
Airport’s Dylan Barbrey blocks Brookland-Cayce’s Henry Ward during their game at Fort Knox in 2022.
Airport’s Dylan Barbrey blocks Brookland-Cayce’s Henry Ward during their game at Fort Knox in 2022.
August 3, 2023 | Columbia Star, The (SC) Author/Byline: Josh Cruse | Section: Article