Since their lost COVID season of 2020-2021, the Fort Campbell Falcons have now had five different coaches for five different seasons. During the first four years since the virus cost the Falcons an entire season, Fort Campbell has won just 15 games. The fifth coach in line during this five year span is looking to change the direction and the culture for the Falcon program.
Austin Byrum was a late hire to take over the program after the departure of Orlando King, who left after one year and a 3-25 record. In addition to having to pick up the pace to get ready for the season, Byrum is also having to deal with the departure of a player that was expected to be a big part of the Falcon team this season.
Israel Dillard was viewed as one of the up-and-coming players in the 2nd Region following his freshman season at Fort Campbell. He averaged 15.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game and was primed for a big sophomore season. He may still have a big sophomore season, but it will just be ‘south of the border.’ Dillard is now enrolled at Rossview High School in Clarksville and should be a key player for the Hawks this season.
Coach Byrum does have one of the top returning players in the region in the form of senior Tyreek Anthony. Anthony led the Falcons in scoring last season at 19.4 points a contests and pulled down 7.5 rebounds per game. Look for Anthony to have a monster senior year and again be among the top scorers in the region. Byrum also praises Anthony for his leadership on the floor.
Senior Kyre Ferguson transferred in from Arkansas during the off-season and will get the nod at point guard for the Rebels. Junior Garrett Vannatta is another transfer onto post and will man the 2-guard slot for the Falcons. Byrum notes at Vanatta is a ‘raw’ talent but could be a big factor for the Falcons this year.
Look for Tyler Tow and Kingston Morton to see increased roles this year for the Falcons. Tow averaged 1.5 points and 1.4 rebounds last year, while Morton had 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per contest in just 13 games.
Byrum also pointed to 8th grader Joseph Katz as a youngster that could play a role for Fort Campbell during the 2025-2026 season.
As for how the Falcons will play, Byrum wants his team to focus on defense and then run its sets on offense and look to get downhill as often as possible.
The schedule for the Falcons features home games against Todd County Central, Allen County-Scottsville, Calloway County, Webster County, and an All A Classic first round game against University Heights.
On the road, Fort Campbell will take on Christian County, Hopkins County Central, UHA, Caldwell County, and Warren East.
Fort Campbell will officially open the season December 2nd on the road at Clarksville Northeast.
Byrum spoke with YSE about the upcoming season:
