Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton
University of Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne was the special guest at the Black Warrior Council’s 13th Annual E.A. “Larry” Drummond Lifetime Scouting Achievement Award Luncheon, held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Jasper Civic Center.
With over 30 years in sports administration, Byrne has built a reputation for leading successful programs, finding innovative ways to grow and improve, and making sure student-athletes thrive both on and off the field. Byrne is part of an impressive list of speakers for the event, which includes Dabo Swinney, Bruce Pearl, Nick Saban, and Pat Dye.
In a discussion moderated by former University of Alabama quarterback and current color analyst for University of Alabama football, Tyler Watts, Byrne offered a candid look at the rapidly evolving world of college athletics, from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to hiring coaches and navigating leadership transitions. He emphasized the importance of adapting to change, particularly as Alabama continues to grow beyond its football legacy. Speaking on the demands of his role, he noted, “Being an AD is much different than what it was even eight years ago, when I was so fortunate to be able to come be part of the University of Alabama. As Coach Saban would say to me pretty regularly, ‘Greg, the dinosaurs didn’t adapt.’ So, you’ve got to continue to adapt at what you do.”
Another highlight of the event was the awarding of the E.A. “Larry” Drummond Lifetime Scouting Achievement Award to Steven M. Nolen. For nearly four decades, Nolen has been a steadfast mentor, leader, and advocate for youth in Fayette County through his commitment to Scouting. As the Scoutmaster of Troop 45 since 1987, he has dedicated countless hours to shaping the lives of young men, guiding 83 Scouts to the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and instilling in them the values of service, leadership, and perseverance.
Past recipients of the Lifetime Scouting Achievement Award include Grady Hendrix (2013), Dr. David Rowland (2014), B.W. “Wade” Rollins (2015), Steve Byars (2016), Steve Hager (2017), The Murphy Family (2018), Eddie Jackson (2019), Gerson May (2020), Pete Smith (2021), Steve Hudson (2022), Kevin Callahan (2023), and Paul Kennedy (2024).
“This was a great event, we honored a great man, Steve Nolen,” said Zac Lollar, Development Director for the Black Warrior Council. “Tyler Watts did a phenomenal job emceeing the event, and Greg Byrne answered some great questions.”
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is dedicated to helping young people develop strong moral character and make ethical choices throughout their lives. The Black Warrior Council strives to be West Alabama’s leading youth development organization, shaping young men and women into responsible, civic-minded adults who uphold these principles. Each year, the Council serves 2,000 youth and their families across 12 counties, operating under an annual charter from the national BSA headquarters in Irving, Texas.
“This luncheon is our biggest fundraiser every year,” said Darren Hix, Black Warrior Council Mountain District Executive. “It allows us to reach youth, to get them involved in scouting, which builds character and leadership skills that they will take throughout their lives, giving back to their community.”
At the conclusion of the event, Luncheon Chairman Brian Alexander announced that, since the Black Warrior Council’s 2025 Kickoff in early January, over $112,500 has been raised toward the year’s $135,000 fundraising goal, a fair portion of which came from the luncheon.
Gold-level sponsors of the event included: Carl Cannon Chevrolet Buick GMC, Drummond Company, Thompson Tractor, Honda of Jasper, Hyundai of Jasper, Riverpeak Partners of Raymond James, Steve Hudson and Associates, Bill Penney, John Drummond, Patrick Drummond, Abbie Drummond, Judy Hager, Sam and Jane Murphy, Gerson and Judy May, Jon Glover, Rick and Beth Stukes, Babs and Michael Anderson, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Nolen, Jr., and Dr. Larry Thorne.
Upcoming events for the Black Warrior Council include the Steel Horse Ride on Saturday, April 15, the Tenderfoot Golf Classic on Friday, May 9, at Ol’ Colony Golf Club in Tuscaloosa, and the Sporting Clays Event on Friday, September 12 at Camp Horne in Cottondale, Alabama. WL
