Fairless, OH — Fairless Local Schools is pleased to announce the selection of Craig Whitaker as the next Head Baseball Coach for the Fairless Falcons, pending Board of Education approval. After a thorough search process, Coach Whitaker emerged as the ideal leader to guide our baseball program into its next chapter.
Coach Whitaker brings a wealth of baseball experience, educational leadership, and community involvement to the position. A 1995 graduate of Perry High School, Whitaker was a member of the Panthers baseball program before continuing his playing career at Kent State University. While pursuing a degree in Earth Science, he was a member of Kent State’s 2000 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship baseball team.
Whitaker has dedicated more than two decades to coaching high school baseball, serving in various varsity coaching roles since 2004. Throughout his coaching career, he has developed student-athletes both on and off the field while helping build competitive and respected programs.
In addition to his coaching experience, Whitaker is an accomplished educator. He earned a Master’s Degree in Geosciences from Mississippi State University in 2011 and designed and implemented the first Physical Geology program at Perry Local Schools. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for Stark State College, teaching college-level Physical Geology courses to Perry High School students and providing opportunities for students to earn four college credits at no cost to their families.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Whitaker to the Fairless athletic family,” said Zach Michel, Athletic Director. “His experience as a coach, educator, and mentor makes him an outstanding fit for our baseball program. Coach Whitaker has a passion for developing young people, building strong relationships, and creating a culture that emphasizes accountability, teamwork, and excellence.”
Superintendent Mike Hearn added, “I am very happy to welcome Coach Whitaker to the Fairless Family. He is known for his work aligning youth and varsity programs, developing athletes into strong men, and has a great reputation as someone you would want your student-athlete playing for.”
As part of the interview process, former Fairless Head Baseball Coach Terry Griffith, assisted in evaluating candidates and provided valuable insight throughout the selection process.
“Having the opportunity to be involved in the interview process gave me a firsthand look at the quality of candidates interested in leading our program,” said Griffith. “Coach Whitaker stood out because of his passion for developing young people, his commitment to building relationships throughout a community, and his vision for creating a program that players, families, and alumni can be proud of. I believe Fairless Baseball is in great hands, and I’m excited to see where he takes the program.”
Coach Whitaker shared, “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Fairless baseball program. Fairless has a proud athletic tradition, a supportive community, and dedicated student-athletes. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our players and helping them grow both on the field and in the classroom.”
Whitaker and his wife, Elizabeth, a Social Studies teacher, reside in Perry Township with their two sons, Thomas and Jonathan.
Fairless Local Schools welcomes Coach Whitaker and looks forward to a successful and competitive future for Falcon Baseball under his leadership.