Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
PROCTORVILLE — For the past eight seasons, Fairland’s football program has slowly molded into a bonafide contender.
Melvin Cunningham, by all accounts, is responsible for that development.
Cunningham, who was hired as the Dragons’ head coach in 2016, has been ultra-successful in helping Fairland contend for Ohio Valley Conference titles and playoff spots.
Sunday, the school district announced his retirement, via Facebook.
“Dragon Nation wants to thank Melvin Cunningham for his eight years of dedication to Fairland Football,” the statement read. “Coach Cunningham helped turn the program around and return them a force in the OVC. Thank you for your dedication and enjoy your retirement from coaching.”
During his seven seasons as a head coach, and following an 0-10 season before accepted the position, Cunningham led the Dragons to a 46-28 mark and four playoff berths.
This past season, Fairland finished 7-4 overall and 4-2 in the OVC and ended the year with a 22-21 overtime loss to West Muskingum in a first round playoff game — the program’s third straight postseason appearance.
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