Fairfield Athletic Director Jimmy Barnett announced Wednesday the retirement of Mark Dettwiller as the Fairfield Lady Lions head softball coach.
Dettwiller is the owner/operator of Dettwiller Construction LLC, renovating and building new houses. He also has started a new primitive furniture business. Due to the amount of time needed to run these two businesses, he would not have the time to fully commit to the time and effort that such a highly successful softball program deserves. Mark plans to remain available as a part-time assistant coach and consultant to the softball program, the school said in a news release.
Dettwiller met with players and coaches last Friday and thanked them, especially the Fairfield administration and staff for an amazing nine-year run as the head softball coach.
Fairfield softball has enjoyed a rich and storied history of excellence. Dettwiller was the ninth head softball coach of the softball program and retires as its most successful coach. Dettwiller’s tenure was nine years, but that only included eight seasons. The 2020 softball season was cancelled due to COVID-19. Dettwiller retires with 155 wins and 39 losses for a .799 winning percentage. His record in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference is truly amazing with 94 wins and 10 losses for a .904 winning percentage. During his eight seasons, Fairfield won seven SHAC titles with three undefeated seasons. Dettwiller was named the SHAC Coach of The Year in seven of his eight seasons.
During Dettwiller’s tenure, Fairfield won eight sectional titles, five district championships, was district runner-up one time and regional runner-up three times.
In Dettwiller’s eight seasons the Lady Lions finished in the top ten in the final Ohio State Coaches Poll five times and finished first in the Ohio State Coaches Poll in 2015. Dettwiller has also had the privilege of coaching seven all-state softball players in his eight seasons. He was able lead the Fairfield softball team to at least 20 wins in a season for five of his eight years.
Former Fairfield coach Beth Floyd led the 2005 team to 20 wins. That was only other 20-win season.
“We thank Mark for leading our softball program for the last nine years. He has definitely left his print on the program and we wish him well,” the news release said.
This story was provided by Thomas E. Purtell, Fairfield assistant softball coach.
