When Billy Hilyer enrolled at Alabama Christian College in the fall of 1962, the baseball and basketball teams were newly formed. The baseball team practiced in a cow pasture, and the lone basketball court was little more than a red clay dirt court.
Back then, the coaching staff had their own challenges. Furman Kearley, the baseball coach, was also a full-time Bible teacher who supplemented his salary by delivering newspapers at 4 a.m. He received no compensation for his coaching efforts. Similarly, Willard Tate coached the basketball team without it being his primary job. The basketball team played in a local junior high school gym.
Despite these early struggles, both the baseball and basketball programs began to flourish. In 1969, the basketball team moved to the newly constructed Tine Davis Gymnasium on the college’s new Atlanta Highway campus. Baseball eventually followed, with Harrison Field being built and dedicated in 1982.
After returning to Montgomery in June 1974, Hilyer began working at the college in 1975. Initially serving as Registrar and Counselor to students, he gradually took on more roles, including Vice President of Student Services and Executive Vice President, before serving as President for nearly three decades. During his tenure, Hilyer oversaw the expansion of Eagle Athletics.
Under Hilyer’s leadership, nine new athletic programs were added to the college’s roster including softball (1991-1992), volleyball (1997-1998), men’s and women’s golf (2004-2005), men’s and women’s soccer, (2004-2005) football (2007-2008), collegiate fishing (2008-2009) and women’s basketball (2010-2011).
Hilyer recognized the growing importance of sports in society and on college campuses, believing the expansion of athletic programs would not only attract more students but also provide them with valuable life lessons. He also saw athletics as a way to further the mission of the college. “More students give us the opportunity to reach people with the gospel of Christ and encourage Christians to greater maturity and commitment,” Hilyer said. Hilyer’s visionary leadership in expanding Eagle Athletics was recognized in October 2024 when he was inducted into the Faulkner Athletic Hall of Fame.
