Four years after stepping into the quarterback role as a freshman, Burke Lowry has been a key in the recent revival of Fairview’s football program.
“When I came in freshman year, you didn’t go into games with confidence,” Lowry said of his experiences four years ago. “There has been a big culture change with confidence and the preparation we have going into it. You’re going in to win. You’re not going in to compete or thinking you’re just going to lose. It’s been a culture change with the team.”
Burke is a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball for the Warriors. Upon his graduation this spring, Burke will have earned 12 varsity letters and be named captain in football and baseball.
“He’s 6-3½, close to 6-4, 200 pounds,” Fairview’s head coach Sean Ranc explained. “He’s not a little kid. He’s a big dude who can sling it. He’s a scholarship-level kid with a 3.7 GPA.”
During his first two years at the helm of the Fairview offense in football, the Warriors finished both seasons with identical 1-9 records. Since the beginning of last year, the Warriors have drastically improved, going 14-5 during that stretch.
Last year’s team was the first Warriors football team to make the OHSAA state playoffs in 23 years. The team’s historic season ended with a playoff loss to the Liberty Benton Eagles in November, an experience Lowry has not forgotten.
“It was definitely cool, all the recognition that we got,” Burke said of last season. “It was cool making the playoffs, but we didn’t win. So, it didn’t feel good enough for me. I want to win a playoff game. I don’t want to be the second team to make the playoffs - I want to be the first to win.”
After the disappointing end to the season, Burke’s determination, leadership, competitive mindset, and on-field play continue to inspire teammates and Warriors fans in 2025.
“It’s up to us,” he said. “We’re the ones playing on the field. It’s self-discipline. Are you going to do your job for your team? Winning isn’t just on the game days. You have to practice great all week. You have to prepare yourself.”
That leadership hasn’t just changed Fairview’s mindset — it’s shown up on the scoreboard.
Lowry has shattered every major passing record at Fairview High School. He’s thrown (so far) for 7,200 yards and 75 touchdowns, surpassing marks that had stood for more than 30 years. Lowry broke the single-season passing record at the game versus Brooklyn High School on October 17, eclipsing his mark from last year’s record-setting year.
“He’s a gunslinger,” Ranc added. “He takes the pressure on himself, and he’s not scared to throw that ball anywhere. He’s done a good job this year of trusting his steps and getting the ball out quicker, which has really opened up our run game. He’s just a ballplayer.”