Charles Fairchilds – 1970
Charlie Fairchilds was an outstanding distance runner during his career at Bridgewater College for the legendary coach, Dr. Harry GM “Doc” Jopson.
Fairchilds was an integral part of the 1967, 1968 and 1969 Virginia Small College championship cross country teams and track teams. He set school records in the 880 and 1000 yard races and the mile relay. He was the Virginia Small College 880 champion in 1968 and 1969 and was part of the Mason-Dixon championship mile relay team in 1968. Fairchilds also established a Virginia Small College record in the 880 of 1:55.7 in 1969 that stood for 14 years.
While Doc Jopson was on a sabbatical leave, Charlie and his brother, Vern Fairchilds, coached the Bridgewater College 1970 cross country team to a Virginia Small College championship and a second-place finish in the Mason-Dixon Conference. Doug Coleman, another Hall of Fame member, won both of those races that year.
After graduating cum laude with a BA in Economics, Fairchilds graduated from the University of Virginia Darden School with an MBA. He was previously employed as the President of Allied Ready Mix Company and has served on the board of directors at Community Bank, Staunton, VA and City Holding Company, Cross Lanes, W.Va. Fairchilds has also been active in his community, serving as the president of the Waynesboro-East Augusta Chamber of Commerce and the Waynesboro Family YMCA.
In recognition of his outstanding career as a student and athlete, Charlie Fairchilds is deserving of induction into the Bridgewater College Athletic hall of Fame.
