Fairfield High School has promoted Josh Howland to head coach of the varsity boys basketball team, Howland replaces Everett Snyder who retired from coaching, after nearly 20-plus years, earlier this spring.

Howland, a native of Leesburg and a graduate of Fairfield High School, has been a coach in the Fairfield school district for the past seven years. Howland’s experience ranges from the junior high level to the junior varsity level.

Howland’s experience coaching, as well as his familiarity with the players on the roster, will make his move to the varsity level a smoother transition than most coaches experience.

When asked about his motivation to become a coach Howland said, “The competitiveness and the opportunity to develop kids in the area is what has drawn me to coaching.” Howland went on to say, “I am very excited for the opportunity to coach at the varsity level, I have had success at the JV level but that does not necessarily mean that I will have success in the varsity game.”

Howland indicated that he would like to play an aggressive style of basketball but he would alter his style to fit the personnel that he has to work with, saying, “The biggest adjustment for me, and some of the younger players on our team, is going to be the tempo of the varsity game compared to the junior varsity level. We have to prepare these kids physically to compete at that level.”

Reach Ryan Applegate at 937-402-2572, or Twitter @RCApplegate89.