“Our student-athletes were excited to see the immediate changes,” shared Head Coach Luke Barker, noting that the updates were a morale booster and set the tone for further improvements. The goal is to continue enhancing the locker room area, ensuring that athletes have a space that reflects the pride and professionalism of the program.
Funds were also used to implement a new viewing station for in-game sideline replay, which will be used by both coaches and referees. The new system, which includes tablets for real-time video analysis, will allow coaches to review plays and adjust strategies on the fly. It will also enable referees to review penalties and other critical plays as needed. This upgrade is expected to improve the team’s in-game performance and allow for better decision-making throughout each game. The new system is expected to be in service this fall. The 2024 football season was an historic one. The team achieved a 7-4 record, including a 6-3 mark in conference play, marking the most wins ever for a first year staff at the university. This impressive achievement was made possible by standout performances from both the offense and defense. Nino Marzullo, who threw for over 2,300 yards in just 9 games, was named MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year. The team’s offense is ranked as the #1 red zone scoring offense in the country and finished in the top 25 nationally in both scoring and total yards. On the defensive side, the Falcons finished the season strong, shutting out opponents for the entire month of November – a testament to their conditioning, focus, and ability to follow through when it mattered most. Off the field, the team continued to show that they are more than just athletes. They are leaders, scholars, and community advocates. 17 student-athletes walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, many of them earning honors and accolades along the way. Josh Alt, with a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA), was honored as the Feaster Award recipient at the Freddy Awards, an award given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA. The football team has also demonstrated their commitment to the community by completing nearly 1,000 hours of community service across Marion, Harrison, and Monongalia counties. From supporting campus events to volunteering across the region, players remained dedicated to giving back and serving as a positive influence both on and off the field. As the 2025 season approaches, the coaching staff and players are excited about the potential that lies ahead. “We have a great nucleus of players coming back,” according to Coach Barker. “We’re adding 40 new high school recruits to the roster, in addition to 18 transfers we’ve brought in at mid-year.” With a strong mix of returning players and new talent, Barker believes the team is poised to build on their success and growth. To all those who have supported the football program, Coach Barker and the team would like to say: “Thank you. All your support – whether financial, emotional, or by simply showing up – has a great impact on our student-athletes. We hope to make you proud in everything we do. We can’t wait to see you this fall.” To support Fairmont State Football, visit: https://www.fsufoundation.org/give-to-athletics.html Comments are closed.
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