By Debbie Adams
William Byrd High School multi-sport athlete– football, baseball, basketball, and track– and
valedictorian Israel Hairston signed his national letter of intent with Virginia Tech on May 22 as
a “preferred walk-on” in the football program and as an engineering student.
front) on signing day with his proud family. Pictured left to right are: front, Israel’s aunt Melanie
Scales (a VT alumni), his paternal grandmother Phyllis Hairston, Israel, his mother Keevie
Hairston, and his maternal grandmother Cynthia Williams; back row, Israel’s brother Ethan (WB
alumni and a current VT student), his father Christopher, and his maternal grandfather Henry
Williams. (photos by Debbie Adams)
Hairston was recently named Class 3 VHSL Scholar Athlete of the Year– a first in William Byrd
history. He was also named Blue Ridge District Offensive Player of the Year, Region 3D
Offensive Player of the Year, Crunch Co-Player of the Year, and Second Team All-State.
This past season he helped lead the Terriers to their first-ever state semifinals game and regional
title and winning 12 games in a season.
Byrd football Coach Lutz commented that Hairston has rewritten the history book at Byrd,
holding the record for most passing yards in a career, most passing touchdowns in a career, most
passing yards in a season, and ranking fourth in total yards.
Career statistics total 304 carries, 2,264 yards, and 32 touchdowns; 248 completions in passing
with 430 attempts, 3,398 yards, and 29 touchdowns; 5,662 total yards and 61 total touchdowns.
Hairston was joined at the signing of his letter of intent ceremony by his family, teammates, and
coaches in football (Lutz), track (James Pannell), baseball (Jason Taylor), and basketball (Brad
Greenway).
signing day with his William Byrd coaches (left to right) Athletic Director and baseball coach
Jason Taylor, basketball coach Brad Greenway, track coach James Pannell, and football coach Brad Lutz.
Principal Tammy Newcomb spoke first, thanking Hairston “for all the memories you have
provided us. We are so proud of you.”
Football coach Brad Lutz noted that the recruiting process had been a long process, working hard
“to find the right fit” for Hairston, who “made academics a huge priority” and wanted to attend a
university with a top-notch engineering school. Several other colleges and universities made
offers; Lutz noted that the commitment to Virginia Tech is “a huge deal.”
Both Newcomb and Lutz praised Hairston for participating in multiple sports while maintaining
excellent grades. He earned a 4.16 GPA, taking Pre-AP, AP, and Dual Enrollment Classes, and
was on the A or A/B Honor Roll every nine weeks throughout his high school career.
“Israel will be a tremendous student athlete at Virginia Tech, just like he has been here,” Lutz
said. Lutz joked about Hairston being able to keep the same school colors from Byrd in his career with Tech. The coach also touched on Hairston’s stellar character and team-minded
attitude, recalling him “sweeping the floor” after their annual football banquet.
He also reminded Hairston and his other teammates who had signed letters of intent to
“remember where you came from.”
Hairston said that playing football at VT “has been a childhood dream, like a lot of kids in
Virginia.” He will be playing as a defensive back. His brother, Ethan, is also a student at Virginia
Tech, a 2022 graduate of William Byrd and a multi-sport athlete.
Israel was not only outstanding in sports at WBHS. He was named by the faculty at Byrd as
“Best All-Around Male” in the Class of 2024. He was chosen by the staff and his peers as
Homecoming King last fall. He is a Beta Club member, active in his church, and a volunteer with
many community organizations, including rec league sports.
Coach Lutz reminded Hairston and his other players moving to the collegiate level that “the best
is yet to come.”
interview as a Hokie.
