ANDALE, Kan. (KSNW) – Andale football is known for its program success and ability to develop talent. Former Indian Mason Fairchild is a prime example of that. He dominated at Andale with the class of 2019 and thrived at Kansas. Now, his role on the football field is a little different. In the 2024 season, Fairchild returned to Andale as an assistant coach. However, coaching for the Indians isn't exactly how he envisioned spending the fall. "Things haven't necessarily gone the way I've wanted them to with professional football and kind of waiting on what's next, so just glad to be here helping out," he explained. After graduating with the Jayhawks in the spring, Fairchild went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed with the New Orleans Saints during the offseason. He was released, resigned, and released again during the preseason. "I got to play some games, get some tape. But, you know, like I said, it obviously hasn't gone the way I wanted it to, but hopefully, it's not the end of my journey," he added. As he awaits what's next in his professional career, he decided to return home. He currently trains on his own while coaching. He's joined his father on the Indians' staff. "It's nice having your family. Like I said, I've got my son-in-law coaching linebackers, and Mason's coaching the tight ends. He's brought kind of an intensity that the older guys can't bring, and he's been able to demonstrate things. It's been pretty slick," explained Tim Fairchild, Andale's offensive coordinator. "Obviously, growing up, he coached me and everything and just to be alongside him on the sideline, it really is great, and it's kind of been like a full circle moment because I want to coach college football when I'm done playing. And so, he's been my inspiration for that. And to be able to share a season with him here, you know, it really is surreal," said Mason. Tune into KSN News at 10 every Thursday for our Competitive Drive Andale head coach Dylan Schmidt appreciates the value and perspectives Mason has brought to the team's game. "To have him around and all the ideas, he's been a big asset to our staff, no doubt," said Schmidt. "A lot of upper-level thinking, and there's things that we do that are not the same that KU does or wherever he's been. So he's very good about that, about understanding 'OK, this is a wrinkle that we can put into our offense' to be able to do whatever it is that we're trying to do." Fairchild has also inspired potential in his players during and outside of practices. "Smaller schools like us, you don't get to see a lot of a lot of people going on to you know being college or even NFL, but seeing somebody like him do that shows as possible and that hard work can really get you there," said Noah Horsch, Andale senior tight end. "He's always motivating me and everybody around him just by his work ethic. I mean, I go in there to talk to Coach Schmidt in the weight room during school, and I'll see him in there working out, and then I'll see him and working out before we go out to practice. It makes me want to work harder too," added Charles Parsons, Andale senior offensive lineman. Whether he's coaching or playing, Mason is determined to continue chasing his passion. "Even before playing football, I was on the sideline being the water boy or the ball boy for the high school. So, I've always been around it. You know, I couldn't imagine my life without football. That's why I want to do coaching for is because you get to have an impact on a lot of kids' lives," he said. The Indians take the field Friday against Holcomb for the substate round of playoffs. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Andale High School. If you would like to nominate a person, team, or sporting event for Competitive Drive, fill out KSN Sport's online contact form.