Fairmont Senior Boys Basketball Coach David Retton Announces Retirement
By Michael Minnich on October 16, 2026
One of the state's top mentors and boys basketball coaches has retired, according to a post by Fairmont Senior principal James Green on the school's Facebook page.
Green wrote Friday:
"Yesterday I received and accepted a letter of retirement from Head Boys Basketball Coach David Retton. As he always does, Coach Retton’s letter focused on the team, players and all those who have supported him in his years with the program.
"Coach Retton also had the opportunity to speak with the team and coaches present at their Thursday workout to tell them of his retirement personally. We truly appreciate and honor the exceptional program Coach Retton has created for our boys basketball team.
"Coach Retton not only provided basketball instruction, he had an even greater influence on the lives of the young men who went on to become great men. Some moved on to do great things in basketball, but many more moved on to do great things in life. Thank you Coach Retton."
The FSHS athletics page shared the post and wrote:
"An incredible chapter in Fairmont Senior basketball history comes to a close.
"Coach Retton's accomplishments and the tradition of excellence he established have left a lasting mark on Polar Bear Athletics.
"We extend our sincere appreciation to Coach Retton for his years of dedication and commitment to Fairmont Senior. Congratulations on an outstanding coaching career, and best wishes in retirement!
"Once a Polar Bear, always a Polar Bear!"
Retton coached the Polar Bears starting in 1997, leading Fairmont Senior to four state titles.
Bridgeport coach Dave Marshall praised Retton as a person and as a coach.
"As a teacher, I would say A+ in both areas. I've always looked up to him and his family," Marshall said.."Before I even started coaching boys and was coaching girls, I respected the work he was doing. When I started coaching boys, I got to see it a litlte bit closer. He's always had good talent on his teams, but I have said many times that talent can allow you a chance to win, but the coach is the one that I think really helps develop the character that hopefully leads to championships.
"HIs kids were always highly disciplined. To have that kind of talent and be able to keep them on the same page and be disciplined the way they were speaks volumes. The way his kids carried themselves, the way he carried his program, it's just heartbreaking to see him get out. At the same time, I do wish him the best. He's one of the greats."
Retton was the 2014 National Federation of State High School Associations boys basketball coach of the year for West Virginia.
Editor's Note: Photo by Joe LaRocca of David Retton (right) with Bridgeport coach Dave Marshall (left) at a game at the Fairmont Senior Field House.
