A Fresh Direction for Fairless Baseball
Fairless Local Schools has named Craig Whitaker as its new varsity baseball coach, tapping a veteran with more than twenty years of high‑school coaching experience. Whitaker most recently led Perry High School’s program for five seasons, guiding the team through a period of transition while building a foundation for future growth.
Whitaker’s appointment follows the retirement of Josh Witting, who stepped down after fifteen years at the helm of Fairless baseball. Witting’s long tenure left a lasting imprint on the program, but the school is now looking ahead to a new era defined by fresh leadership and renewed energy.
Zach Michel, Fairless’ athletic director, praised Whitaker’s blend of experience and passion for developing young athletes. "Craig brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for the game," Michel said, emphasizing the coach’s focus on fostering strong relationships with the student‑athletes.
The program’s recent performance underscores the need for revitalization. In the spring, Fairless finished with a 5‑22 record, while Perry High School posted a 7‑19 slate in its last season under Whitaker’s guidance. Both schools share a history in the region, with Whitaker himself graduating from Perry in 1995 and later earning a spot on Kent State University’s championship‑winning team in 2000.
Whitaker expressed excitement about the new opportunity, stating he looks forward to leading the Fairless baseball program and strengthening ties with the student‑athlete community. His vision includes not only competitive play but also personal development, aiming to instill values that extend beyond the diamond.