Press Release

BENTON – For over two decades, Mark Hofer has guided the Fairfield athletic department. The longtime educator and administrator announced Monday he is retiring from his post as athletic director effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

Hofer began his work in education as a teacher at Taft Middle School in Crown Point, then moving to Northridge High School, where he served for 12 years as a math teacher. While at Ridge, Hofer coached football, wrestling and girls track. Hofer then moved to Fairfield in 1997 where he has served as the athletic director for the past 21 years.

While overseeing the Fairfield athletic department, Hofer has seen championship performances from nearly every one of its programs, including state championship appearances in volleyball in 2006 and 2010, three semi-state appearances in the past decade in softball, and a semi-state girls basketball appearance in 2018 among the lengthy credits list.

in a statement, Fairfield Jr/Sr High School principal Jason Grasty offered thoughts on Hofer’s legacy.

“We are at once delighted and disheartened to announce that Mark Hofer will retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Mark began his career at Fairfield at a young age. He is a Fairfield graduate and was an outstanding high school athlete.

“Mark’s retirement is our loss, but a well-deserved respite for him,” continued Grasty. “While we won’t see him on the sidelines on our hallowed halls as much, Mark is not leaving us entirely. He will still be at our games as one of the biggest Falcon fans cheering on two very special athletes. We all wish Mark the very best. Falcons Forever!”