Fairfield Christian Academy looks to rebound with new head coach
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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LANCASTER, Ohio (WOUB) – After finishing 3-8 and having their numbers fall below 20, the Fairfield Christian Knights lost the coach that led them to a conference title in 2023 to Crooksville.
Now, the Knights have seen their numbers and culture rebound. Why? New coach Craig McGruder Jr.
“This has been a dream come true for me,” McGruder. “I have been pursuing this goal of mine for the last 10 years, been through hundreds of interviews. Finally blessed to be the coach at Fairfield Christian Academy.”
McGruder was a coach at the middle and high school level for the last 17 years, and for the last seven, he was an assistant coach at Pickerington North High School. After McGruder took over, their numbers have rebounded to 25 with players buying into the culture he has built.
“Our new coach is bringing a lot of energy, and you can tell the guys are picking up on it,” said Tucker Harper senior center, defensive lineman and linebacker. “We just want to go out and win some games.”
The Knights have a large senior class and a significant number of underclassmen. But, even for some of the seniors, this is year one. Senior wide receiver and defensive back Orlando Coleman only played basketball before McGruder taking over for FCA.
“He’s brought more of a family than just a team,” said Coleman. “He’s brought a lot of love into the sport for the people here.”
Their offense will rely on first-year starter Brayden Stem, and despite his inexperience, Stem has worked with a talented receiver room to establish connections this summer. Coleman and Cayden Penha both stand at 6’4, and Zack Price stands at 6’2. Their captain, T.J. Blair, brings speed and rounds out the room. Stem touted the chemistry they have built this summer.
“A lot of times we come out here on weekends when we’re not supposed to or we don’t have practice and we come out here and work,” said Stem. “So, just having that chemistry with my receivers is huge, knowing where they are going to be.”
This team is eager to re-establish itself in the conference and Southeast Ohio.
“We’ve got a good group of kids,” said McGruder. “Expect a lot of big things from us this year.”