Although soccer is his first love, Harlan County sophomore Austin Tye is also getting his kicks this season as a member of the Black Bears’ football team.
A skilled soccer player who scored 10 goals last season as a freshman on coach Tommy Key’s HCHS varsity squad, Tye made the decision near the end of last school year to give football a try as a placekicker for coach Jacob Saylor’s Black Bears.
Now officially a dual-sport athlete, Tye is making the most of the unique opportunity.
Through his first five games as a football player, Tye has converted an impressive 11-of-14 extra-point tries, but has yet to attempt a field goal. The diminutive Tye was even credited with two tackles in the Black Bears’ home victory last week over McCreary Central.
On the soccer field, Tye is the Black Bears’ second leading scorer with five goals and five assists through the team’s first six games. Among his tallies this season is an eye-popping goal from 65 yards that came in a home game against Middlesboro.
Both Saylor and Key offered positive thoughts about Tye.
“We are super excited about Austin joining our team. He is the hardest working kid I have ever been around,” Saylor said. “The other players love him, and he is a joy to coach.
“When he first joined us, he could barely kick a 20-yard field goal, but now he can hit from 40 yards out. If Austin continues to work like I know he will, he has the potential to play college ball as a kicker.”
Added Key, “I’ve always encouraged my players to be involved in multiple sports. I feel that in doing so one complements the other in developing skills. Austin is definitely a great athlete and has really grown as a player this year.”
Tye started playing soccer as a fifth grader at Rosspoint Elementary School and started practicing and playing at HCHS in the sixth grade. While he was in eighth grade, Tye traveled to Johnson City to play with Tri-City.
Playing primarily defense during his freshman campaign last season, Tye was a key contributor to a Black Bears soccer team that captured its fourth consecutive 50th District championship.
“I like the constant play and the physicality,” Tye said about soccer. “I like the teamwork and all the team spirit we have. Honestly, I love the atmosphere.”
Encouraged by “a few teachers,” Tye donned a pair of football cleats earlier this year and started kicking with Marcus Kelly. According to Tye, “it just took off” from there.
Tye fondly remembers his first day of football practice and the welcoming feeling he received from his new teammates.
“It was a big change from soccer,” he said. “Everyone welcomed me, and I have gotten more comfortable and confident in what I’m doing.”
Tye successfully converted his first six PAT attempts during the Black Bears’ first two football games this season — both victories.
“I was very nervous, but excited,” Tye said about his first two football games. “It felt good to hit them all. I’m thankful for the chance and very grateful to all the coaching staff for everything they have done for me. I absolutely love all my coaches in football and soccer.”
Following a full day in the classroom, Tye begins football workouts just before 2 p.m. and practices with the team until nearly 4 p.m. From there, it’s on to soccer practice until 6 p.m. When not at practice, Tye also spends considerable time in the gym.
Assistant soccer coach Tracey Tye — Austin’s mother — said she has already seen significant growth from her son this fall as a member of two HCHS varsity teams.
“Going into football was way out of Austin’s norm. But I felt like kicking was something he could do and do it well, he just needed to find it in himself,” she said. “Being a part of both teams has not only helped him grow physically, but mentally also. He’s gained so much self-esteem.”
Tye’s football goals include having an opportunity to establish new HCHS records for most career, and single-game, field goals. Regarding soccer, he said that he is focused on the Black Bears winning a fifth straight 50th District championship and “making a run” for the state championship.
A single soccer game is on the docket this week, preceding Friday’s football game at South Laurel. The HCHS soccer team entered the week with a 4-2 record, while the Black Bears football team will be looking for its fifth win in six outings.