MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Major changes are in motion with the Trinity Christian athletic programs with the school releasing athletic director and boys’ basketball coach John Fowkes of his contract Friday.
Football coach Marcus Law also turned in his resignation Saturday.
“We pray for continued success for both coach Fowkes and coach Law as they continue their coaching careers,” Trinity Superintendent Michelle Stellato Belt said in a statement to The Dominion Post. “While change is always challenging, we will begin our search for the new varsity basketball and varsity football coach immediately. Both our basketball and football programs are alive and well. We will continue to build on the success of the past and use it as a catalyst for the future. Our athletic teams are integral to the overall education we provide to Trinity students. We desire our coaches and faculty to always be mission-focused in the work that is done in the classrooms and on the court and field. Our goal is to inspire excellence and glorify God as we educate students for life beyond this campus.”
Fowkes was hired as the boys’ basketball coach in 2016 and led the Warriors to back-to-back state semifinals appearances in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, he was promoted to athletic director while remaining the boys’ basketball coach, as well as becoming an assistant with the football team.
Last season, the boys’ basketball team fell to unbeaten Pendleton County in the regional co-final, but Trinity exceeded preseason expectations after replacing 12 seniors.
“I appreciate the opportunities that Trinity Christian School has given me to develop as a coach and a teacher, but mainly spiritually,” Fowkes said. “My four years at Trinity were nothing but great experiences and my family and I will be forever grateful for that. I wish the school, students, faculty, staff and administration nothing but the best. I will continue to root for the success of all involved at Trinity and hope they continue to be the shining light on the top of the hill.”
Law led the Warriors to a 2-8 campaign in the school’s first varsity season in a decade. They started 2-0 with home wins over Mapletown (Pa.) and Hannan before the team’s youth set in, going 0-8 (including a forfeit against the Maryland School of the Deaf) the rest of the way.
According to Law, who was hired in March 2019 to help resurrect the Trinity football program, his decision was about a few changes in his personal life.
“My wife and I have a new kid on the way in August, so I thought it was a good time to go in a different direction,” he said. “My time at Trinity as great. We went through ups and downs, but that first victory was best thing in the world and it as a great atmosphere.
“I will say that Trinity is gonna be fine without me.”
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