News Summary
Chris Napier has been appointed as the new athletic director and head football coach at Airport High School, as approved by the Board of Trustees. With 15 years of coaching experience and a background in education, Napier looks forward to building on the Eagles athletics program’s traditions. His appointment comes at a time of significant changes in high school athletics in South Carolina, with ongoing discussions about public charter schools’ roles in competitions, influencing policies across the state.
Airport, South Carolina – Chris Napier has been appointed as the new athletic director and head football coach at Airport High School, a decision approved by the Board of Trustees on May 5, 2025. This marks a significant transition for Napier, who currently serves as an assistant principal at Newberry High School and brings 15 years of coaching experience across various educational levels.
The recommendation for Napier’s appointment came from Lexington School District Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner, reflecting a belief in his capabilities to lead both the athletic department and the football program at Airport High School. Napier’s coaching journey commenced in 2007, during which he has held various roles such as offensive analyst, head coach, and offensive coordinator in schools across several states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia.
His professional background includes a recent position in the Office of Special Education Services at the South Carolina Department of Education and previous work as an elementary special education teacher. Napier’s educational credentials feature degrees from Ashland Community College, Marshall University, and the University of the Cumberlands, highlighting his commitment to both education and sports.
In his new role, Napier expressed gratitude for the opportunity and enthusiasm for the potential to collaborate with the community. He looks forward to building upon the traditions associated with the Eagles athletics program, a sentiment echoed by Airport High School Principal Matt Schilit, who noted Napier’s strong administrative skills and coaching expertise as assets to the school.
This appointment arrives during a notable time for high school athletics in South Carolina, characterized by ongoing discussions regarding public charter schools and their participation in athletic competitions. Recent meetings within the high school athletic community have shown an increase in support for institutions like Gray Collegiate Academy. This emerging support indicates a shift in attitudes from athletic governing bodies regarding the role of charter schools in competitive sports.
Furthermore, the South Carolina High School League has been dealing with implications stemming from disputes, particularly following a fine appeal related to Airport High School’s refusal to compete in junior varsity contests against Gray Collegiate. This resulted in a significant reduction of the initial fine after a recent appellate meeting. Ongoing debates regarding competition fairness are shaping athletic policies across the state, with discussions surrounding the possibility of dissolving the South Carolina High School League if resolutions to these issues are not found.
As Napier steps into his new position, he inherits a multifaceted landscape influenced by these athletic developments and broader educational contexts. The expectations are set high for renewed leadership in both athletics and student engagement at Airport High School, where Napier will aim to create a lasting impact on the school’s athletic programs.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: $65 Million Sports Complex in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: High School Sports
- The State: High School Sports Update
- Google Search: Lexington County High School Athletics
- SW Lex Ledger: Lexington High School Athletes Going Collegiate
- Google Scholar: High School Athletics South Carolina
- Barr Price: Obituary for Lawrence Gardner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
- The State: Another High School Sports Article
- Google News: South Carolina High School Athletics
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