Fairbanks track teams aim to defend titles

Girls look to repeat as OHC, district champions; boys team hopes to climb the ranks

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:46pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a high school track and field competition, with overlapping planes of navy, green, and red colors representing the dynamic movement and energy of the athletes.Fairbanks High School's track and field teams look to build on their recent championship success through a cubist, deconstructed visual style.New California Today

Fairbanks High School's girls track and field team is seeking to defend its Ohio Heritage Conference and district titles from the 2025 season. The Lady Panthers have several seniors who have the opportunity to become two-time conference champions and four-time district champions. Meanwhile, the Fairbanks boys team is looking to move up the ladder in the OHC.

Why it matters

Fairbanks has established itself as a track and field powerhouse in recent years, with the girls team dominating the OHC and district competitions. Maintaining that level of success will be crucial for the school's athletic program and community pride. The boys team also has a chance to build on past performances and make a push toward the top of the conference standings.

The details

The Fairbanks girls team is led by a talented group of seniors who have been part of the program's championship runs. The Lady Panthers compiled a 24-3 record last season and claimed titles in the OHC and district competitions. On the boys side, Fairbanks finished fifth in the OHC North Division in 2025 and is aiming to climb the ladder this year.

  • The 2025 track and field season saw Fairbanks' girls team win the OHC and district titles.
  • The 2026 season is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The players

Mike Van Winkle

Head coach of the Fairbanks High School track and field program.

Fairbanks High School

A public high school located in Fairbanks, Ohio that fields boys and girls track and field teams competing in the Ohio Heritage Conference.

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What they’re saying

“That w... Fraker steps down as FHS girls hoops boss Saying it's time to step down, Landon Fraker has resigned as the head girls basketball coach at Fairbanks High School. 'There are a few reasons why now is a good time,'”

— Landon Fraker, Former head girls basketball coach, Fairbanks High School

The takeaway

Fairbanks has established itself as a consistent track and field powerhouse, particularly on the girls side, and the teams will look to continue that success in the 2026 season. The girls team has a chance to cement its legacy with multiple conference and district titles, while the boys squad aims to make a move up the OHC standings.