Larry Hypes
Contributing Writer
RINER – Like the phoenix of old, the Auburn High School football Eagles have the wind beneath their wings again and have risen from no varsity program recently to a 2025 Virginia High School League playoff berth.
Auburn (5—5) will play at Giles Friday night at 7 p.m. in the VHSL Class I post-season party representing the Mountain Empire District.
It has not been an easy road but a “team behind the team” has helped to smooth the way, according to AHS Principal David Hurd, himself a former state-champion softball coach who understands the dedication it takes to build a competitive group of student athletes.
“Along with the players, coaches and high school staff, I am so appreciative and proud of what the Auburn Eagle Pride group and Auburn Gridiron Club has done to support our students,” notes Hurd. “When a school and community come together, the results can be very special. My job is coordinate the overall school program and having our parents and citizens help us makes it easier to do that.”
Creativity made big news in town, as the junior varsity team (7-0) had a great 2024 year, the school and support teams organized a “Wednesday Night Lights” program with all the trimmings including a homecoming, cheerleaders, band and good attendance for an community ready to work for success. They got it and the rest is becoming history this season.
“This support has been great,” says football coach Scott Mikowicz. “Our numbers have increased, we have a varsity program in place, we are going to the playoffs. Now we need to keep it going and improve from where we are. This school has been outstanding in virtually every sport and we all are working hard to get the football program to be right there, as well. I am excited about where we are now and where we hope to go in the future.”
Two years ago, due to a lack of numbers, especially among upper classmen, the Eagles stepped back from a varsity football schedule and focused on the j.v. program. Doubters faded quickly as the athletic department, the support groups and a determined group of players and parents bolstered by this year’s seniors Bryson Albert, Caiden Clark, Leyland Lytton, Kaine Moede, Kenleigh Smith and Cody Flinchum stepped forward to lead the charge.
“Our Eagle Pride and the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) decided we would support Auburn High, including the sports programs, staff, bus drivers, etc., and partner with the Auburn Gridiron Club,” says Sharon Zuckerwar, whose son, Alex, is a senior multi-sport athlete at the school.
Zuckerwar says, “This is a team effort – it is not me or any individual – it is all of us together, who have worked to help this school. We run concessions as our primary fund-raising effort, working with the Future Farmers, Fine Arts program, BETA (honor) Club, and Future Business Leaders to serve the public at our games. I can tell you we have more fun than we should,” she says with a laugh. Nikki Garland, Chandra Fultz and Angela Smith are among the energetic EP volunteers.
After COVID-19, the Eagle Pride team launched into an effort in 2021 and the Gridiron Club was right in step, as leader Richie Hurst says.
“Pride – that is the key word,” says Hurst. “My dad (Rick) was an All-American at Dublin and I was a pretty good player at Pulaski County High. We had big crowds, community support and a great program. Our goal is to have that same mind set and the same results here at Auburn. My son, Dylan, is a freshman here and I certainly want him and his teammates to experience the joy of being on a successful team. We have started having a summer program for younger players to continue to build on this, working with the school and Eagle Pride team.”
Hurst, a local banker, has high praise for the local business groups, noting, “I would say 99 percent of the folks we have talked with have stepped up to contribute. We have been able to help with equipment, facilities – you name it. And we are glad to do it. Our school is the heart of our community.”
Auburn athletic director Paul Dominy echoes those same sentiments, including pride in AHS employees and the community supporters.
“Believe me, thanks to the help from Eagle Pride and the Gridiron Club, there are simply some tasks I no longer have to worry about,” he says. “Our concessions have improved significantly, our athletic field appearance is noticeably improved and community support is outstanding. We are very fortunate to have these dedicated individuals working together to help our children.”
Zuckerwar adds that the addition of the Eagle Fest event at nearby Sinkland Farms has been a wonderful success, a real boost to students of all ages and a financial shot in the arm.
She and Hurst both also credit long-time AHS school announcer Scott Grantham, who has worked with various programs and faithfully shares his talented voice to speak up for various school teams throughout the year.
The team heartbeat is strong in the Eagles nest.
