Former Clarkson University assistant Ian Fairlie will be joining the Buffalo men's soccer coaching staff for the 2012 season. Fairlie recently completed his third year as the top assistant for the Golden Knights men’s soccer team after a stand-out career playing for the nationally-ranked St. Lawrence University program. Fairlie helped lead the Golden Knights to a regional ranking in each of his first two seasons with the program in 2009 and 2010.

A native of Owego, NY, Fairlie graduated from St. Lawrence in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in music. A 2007 Liberty League All-Star Honorable Mention, Fairlie played in two NCAA Tournaments as the Saints won the conference titles in both 2005 and 2006. Over the course of three seasons, Fairlie, a midfielder, started 47 times in 51 games as St. Lawrence went 32-17-10 (.627%). He missed his senior season and a third trip to the NCAA Tournament when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). 

Fairlie recently completed his master’s degree in business administration. Additionally, he has helped coach youth teams during the summer months.

"It gives me great pleasure and excitement to welcome Ian to our soccer family. He quickly emerged from a pool of quality candidates and is a great fit for our program and the dynamic of our staff," Hesch added. "The things that stood out to me about Ian are that he paid his dues and worked his way up the coaching ladder, showing that he truly wants to be a coach. He has a strong background in business and is savvy in the office, on the field, and evaluating talent."