Fairfield senior Dain Burkhart has been named to the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association’s 2026 Academic All-State First Team, earning one of the most prestigious individual honors in Iowa high school baseball, according to the IHSBCA.
The Academic All-State honor, now in its 40th year, recognizes senior players who demonstrate outstanding academic, moral, and athletic characteristics, with selections made by a panel of coaches from across the state. Burkhart graduated from Fairfield High School with a 4.0 GPA, finishing at the top of his class.
On the field, Burkhart was one of the most complete players on the Fairfield roster this season. He tied for the team lead with 44 hits and led the team with 40 singles, while driving in 29 runs — tied for third on the team. Burkhart batted .423 on the season with a .500 on-base percentage and a .962 OPS, and was among the most disciplined hitters in the lineup — striking out just six times in 104 at-bats, the best rate among Fairfield’s starting players.
On the mound, Burkhart served as the team’s ace, going 8-1 with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP across 46.2 innings pitched. When not pitching, Burkhart manned third base and provided solid defense throughout the season.
