SEYMOUR, Tenn. (WATE) - The Seymour Eagles are hoping to build on the foundation they laid last fall in their first season under head coach Caleb Olive.
Seymour finished 5-5, earning the program’s most wins since 2021. The Eagles graduated a strong senior class of nearly a dozen players, but they also return plenty of experience, giving the team confidence heading into the new season.
Olive was hired last March, giving him a short offseason to install his system. This year, the Eagles have had a full offseason together and feel more settled in Olive’s system.
“Last year, he came in a little late, and we were kind of just playing catch-up a little bit, trying to get everything put in,” Seymour senior Corey Helton said. “This year, it’s definitely been nice to have him back for the full time.”
Senior Grayson Davis said the extra time has helped strengthen the relationship between the players and their coach.
“It helps a lot,” Davis said. “We’ve got a special bond with Coach Olive and what he’s doing with us this year. And we’re very excited to have him.”
Olive believes the experience of last season will help the Eagles handle adversity better this fall.
“This team seems to be a little tighter,” Olive said. “They know we’ve been through adversity. Everybody that’s coming back, we’ve learned how to fight through adversity.”
Olive said Seymour had to learn how to respond to adversity as last season progressed, but he expects his team to be more prepared this year.
“This year, I feel like we’ll be ready when adversity strikes,” Olive said.
Seymour will open its season against Gatlinburg-Pittman for the sixth consecutive year. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, August 21.
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