Men's Track & Field | 7/18/2025 8:23:00 AM

WARRENSBURG, Mo. – University of Central Missouri Head Track & Field Coach Kevin Paterson announced on Friday, July 18, the promotion of Brent Fairbanks as the next throws coach for the Mules & Jennies.

Fairbanks has spent the last two years as a volunteer assistant coach for Central Missouri.

"I am really excited to get the opportunity to work with Brent full-time this year. He brings an incredible resume from when he was a student-athlete to our throws squad," Paterson said. "He learned from one of the best coaches to ever do it here at UCM in Tucker Woolsey, so I have nothing but confidence that he will continue the tradition of success."

A native of Austintown, Ohio, Fairbanks was a six-time All-American thrower and was the 2022 NCAA Division II National Champion in the weight throw while competing for Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. In addition, he was a three-time team captain and helped lead the Eagles to the 2019 NCAA Division II Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, as well as the 2021 Indoor National Title.

He is ranked fifth all-time in NCAA Division II history in the weight throw at 22.73m (74-7).

"I've been fortunate enough to be a volunteer for the Mules and Jennies Track & Field teams for the last two years, and it's an honor to be able to transition into a full-time role," Fairbanks said. "UCM throws has a rich history, and I'm looking forward to continuing to build upon and bolster that legacy in the coming seasons!"

Fairbanks graduated from Ashland University with a bachelor's degree in sport management and a minor in finance in 2021 and earned a master's of business administration degree with a specialization in sport management in 2022.