News Summary

Chris Napier has been named the new head football coach and athletic director at Airport High School in West Columbia, SC. Announced during the Lexington 2 school board meeting on May 5, 2025, Napier is eager to build upon the rich tradition of Eagle athletics. With experience as an assistant principal and a coaching career spanning four states, he aims to lead the team to success following a challenging previous season. The community is buzzing with excitement as they anticipate the upcoming football season under his guidance.

Chris Napier Takes the Helm at Airport High School

Exciting times are ahead for the community of West Columbia, South Carolina! Chris Napier has been appointed as the new head football coach and athletic director at Airport High School. This news was announced during the Lexington 2 school board meeting on May 5, 2025, and it’s creating quite a buzz!

A Warm Welcome

Napier steps into this role after the departure of Shane Fidler, who spent two seasons at Airport before moving on to become the athletic director at White Knoll. With a heart full of excitement and determination, Napier has expressed his feeling of being “truly honored and humbled” by this opportunity. It’s clear he is enthusiastic about taking on the challenge of building upon the rich tradition of Eagle athletics.

Bringing Experience to the Eagles

Before landing this coveted position, Napier served as the assistant principal at Newberry High School since 2023, where he also worked as an offensive consultant for their football team. With an impressive coaching career spanning across four states, he’s got a wealth of experience under his belt. His resume includes a notable stint at LaGrange College in Georgia in 2014, which adds further credibility to his coaching prowess.

In fact, Napier was one of just three finalists for the job, a testament to the confidence the selection committee had in his abilities. He emerged victorious from a competitive pool, and it is evident that the local athletic community sees his potential to make a significant impact at Airport High.

Facing Challenges Head-On

The Eagles had a tough season last year, finishing with a 2-9 record and experiencing a first-round exit in the Class 4A playoffs. Napier knows that he has his work cut out for him, especially since he will be the third head coach in just four seasons. The past two decades saw Kirk Burnett at the helm from 2004 to 2021, before a recent change in leadership.

Though challenges await him, Napier is eager to collaborate with student-athletes, coaches, and the entire community. The good news for him is that he’s inheriting a young core of talents that includes promising offensive players like freshman quarterback Delreco Eady and all-region selections Ben Humphries and Daniel Butts. The potential is there, and with the right guidance, this team could thrive under his leadership!

Coaching Changes in the Midlands

The Midlands area is currently experiencing a wave of coaching turnover, with a whopping 13 new head coaches set to lead local teams. As Napier gears up for his new role, spring football practice has already kicked off across the state. This means he’ll need to catch up quickly to ensure the Eagles are ready to soar come summer.

Given his impressive coaching philosophy and proven track record, local sources have pointed to Napier as a strong choice for this position. Everyone is eager to see how he will implement his strategies and foster a culture of success at Airport High.

A Bright Future Ahead

As the dust settles from this announcement, one thing is clear: Chris Napier is excited to turn a new page at Airport High School. With a focus on community involvement and player development, as well as a solid understanding of the game, Napier seems primed to lead the Eagles back to their winning ways.

The community of West Columbia is buzzing with anticipation, and all eyes will be on Airport High as Napier embarks on this journey. With dedication and teamwork, there’s no telling how high they’ll soar this season! So let’s get ready to cheer on the Eagles as they take flight under their new captain, Chris Napier.

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