Senior Noah Fairbairn (second to left), a pitcher for Clarke Central’s varsity baseball team, signed to play collegiate baseball on Thursday, Nov. 12 in the New Gym. Fairbairn will be playing for Augusta University starting in the 2016-17 school year. “I would have (signed) sooner if I could,” Fairbairn said. “I am very confident in Augusta, and I can’t wait to be there next fall.” Picture courtesy of Mary Carroll Waller.
By AMELIA DELAMATER – Print Managing Editor
Varsity baseball pitcher Noah Fairbairn, after playing on over 15 different teams, has finally found his home in Augusta, Ga. playing for Augusta University’s baseball team.
Varsity Clarke Central High School baseball pitcher Noah Fairbairn, a senior, signed to play baseball for Augusta University on Nov. 12.
“I am signing so early because I am very confident in my decision to Augusta,” Fairbairn said. “It’s a great place, and I’ve been talking with the coach throughout my high school career, and I feel very confident signing.”
Fairbairn will be attending AU, a Division II school, on a four year scholarship beginning next fall.
“I love the challenge of being in a growing program because it helps me grow as well,” Fairbairn said. “(Head AU baseball coach) Coach Eller has been a major part of my decision because I feel we both have the same views on my future and my ability as a pitcher. He’s a great coach, and I am honored to be a part of his amazing program.”
Fairbairn has been playing baseball for 14 years and has been a part of the CCHS baseball program since the eighth grade.
“I’m going to Augusta as a pitcher, but I’ve played every (position) growing up,” Fairbairn said. “I only started refining my pitching the past two years.”
Physical education department teacher and head varsity baseball coach Trey Henson has coached Fairbairn for four years at CCHS and seen him transform as a pitcher.
“He made a big jump physically. He’s gone from throwing a ball at 60 mph to throwing a ball at 87 mph (in three years),” Henson said. “(This change) was done in the off season and getting the work in that he needed.”
Henson is also familiar with the AU baseball coach Jason Eller and has full faith in his time with Fairbairn.
“Coach Eller is one of my former coaches when I was over at University of Georgia. He’s a good guy and a good fit for Noah,” Henson said.
