News Summary

The Airport High School football program is undergoing significant changes as head coach Shane Fidler steps down to focus on family responsibilities. Fidler, who has coached the team for two seasons, believes that the program has a bright future ahead. With a young and promising roster, the Eagles are eager to find a new head coach to lead them into the upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, the local community also sees a shuffle in coaching positions, indicating a broader trend in area high schools.

Airport High School Football Program Faces Changes as Head Coach Steps Down

Airport, a bustling and vibrant community, is making headlines this week as the beloved head coach of its high school football team, Shane Fidler, has announced his departure. Fidler, who has not only coached the team but also served as the school’s athletic director, shared the news with the players on a Friday afternoon that marks a new chapter for both him and the Airport High football program.

Family Comes First

Making the tough decision to step down, Fidler cited family challenges as a primary reason for his exit. His wife has recently taken on the demanding role of a principal, and they also have a young child to care for. It’s a significant turning point for Fidler, as he believes that prioritizing his family is in the best interest of Airport Football and its players. Throughout his two seasons with the Eagles, Fidler has built a connection with the team and has nurtured their talent.

A Positive Future Ahead

Fidler’s confidence in the future of Airport Football is evident, as he is optimistic that Principal Matt Schilit, Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner, and Deputy Superintendent Matt Warren will find a solid replacement to take the reins. He believes that the program is in a good position to continue building on its foundation and looks forward to witnessing the Eagles’ successes from the sidelines.

Record Reflection

During his time at Airport, the football team recorded an overall mark of 7 wins and 15 losses, with the most recent season ending with a 2-9 record. Prior to joining Airport, Fidler had a commendable record with his previous teams. At Ashley Ridge, he led the squad to a commendable 7-4 record in 2022, and at Waccamaw, he took them from a struggling 1-9 to a much-improved 7-4 in what was his last season with the team. His coaching has shown promise and potential, and the Eagles now hope to find a leader who can carry that torch forward.

Coaching Carousel

It’s an interesting time for the Airport football program, as this marks the search for its third head coach in just four seasons. Not too long ago, the program was under the steady guidance of Kirk Burnett, who led the team for a solid stretch from 2004 to 2021. The Eagles are now looking for someone who can seamlessly step into the position as spring practice for football teams is just around the corner, set to kick off next month.

Young Talent on the Roster

Amidst all these changes, the Eagles boast a young and promising roster. Notable players include freshman quarterback Delreco Eady, along with T/DE Ben Humphries and DE Daniel Butts. These athletes are eager to evolve and grow in their upcoming seasons, and they are hopeful that the newly appointed head coach will be a good fit for their developmental needs.

Community Coaching Changes

Meanwhile, it’s not just Airport High that finds itself in need of a new head coach. CA Johnson High School is also looking to fill a coaching vacancy, and they have begun interviewing candidates to take over for former coach Scotty Dean. This coaching shuffle is part of a larger trend in the area, as many high schools will see new leadership next season, making up a total of 12 new coaching hires.

School District Developments

In the background, the Lexington 1 school district is working on restructuring its athletic director and head coaching roles. By the end of the 2025-26 school year, they aim to separate these significant positions for the betterment of school athletics. As for Fidler, rumblings suggest that he might step into the role of new athletic director at White Knoll, with an official board meeting set for April 22 to confirm this transition.

As the Airport football community enters this new era, fans and players alike are hopeful for a fresh start, and excited to see who will next take the helm. It’s an opportunity for growth and improvement, and with a talented roster at their disposal, the Eagles are ready to soar in the upcoming seasons!

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