Fairbanks’ Jayda Rausch (center) sends the ball over the net during a 2019 match against Marysville. Pictured for the Lady Monarchs is Rhiannon Gossett (12). Fairbanks officials are beginning their search for a new volleyball coach to replace the retired Ed Marsman. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
One of the more successful athletic programs over the past few years at Fairbanks High School is searching for a new leader.
The volleyball position came open within the past month when Ed Marsman announced his retirement.
Marsman coached the last five years of a lengthy volleyball career at Fairbanks. He compiled a 99-26 record during that time.
The veteran coach reached a milestone during the 2019 campaign when he won his 600th match.
Marsman retired with an overall record of 610-216.
Fairbanks athletic director Larry Morris said the position was posted within the district as being open during the middle of last week.
After five days, it will be posted on the Ohio High School Athletic Association web site either today or Tuesday.
Morris feels the vacant position will draw quality candidates.
“This is a pillar program at Fairbanks and it’s been so for a long time,” he said. “I hope this opening generates some excitement among volleyball coaches and I hope we attract the quality candidates the program deserves.”
Morris said he has heard some informal inquiries into the opening, but added late last week that he had yet to receive any official applications.
He said the deadline for applications and the time frame for the interview process will be determined by district administrators.
Morris said previous volleyball head coaching experience would be a plus.
“However, that doesn’t necessarily equate to the right fit for our program,” he said.
“Volleyball is a frequent opening among girls sports,” said Morris. “I’m really not sure why that is.”
The athletic director had nothing but praise for Marsman’s tenure at the Lady Panther helm.
“I really enjoyed working with Ed,” said Morris. “He always interacted very well not only with our girls, but also with opposing players and coaches.
“He had a respect that he earned.”
Just who will fill Marsman’s big shoes remains to be seen.
“We’ll let the applications come in and sift through what we have,” said Morris.