WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- A familiar name in Midlands high school sports has been tapped as Airport High School’s next athletic director and head football coach.
Andre W. Cook Jr., a seasoned coach with nearly two decades of experience in varsity high school sports in South Carolina and North Carolina, has been selected for the top athletics post at Airport. The recommendation to hire was made by Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. Nicolas Wade after an extensive search process that also included Airport’s principal and current coaches. Cook’s hiring was approved by the Board of Trustees at its February 24 meeting.
Cook is currently the assistant athletic director at Lexington 1’s River Bluff High School, where he has been since 2017. He also serves as the River Bluff football team’s associate head coach/defensive coordinator, assistant strength coach, and boys’ and girls’ track and field coach.
"I very much believe Mr. Cook embodies what many stakeholders are searching for, and that enthusiastic vision includes further building up the leadership of our students and coaching staff, creating a firm pipeline for talent that extends to the middle school, and showcasing all the advantages of being part of the Eagle community," Dr. Wade said.
In addition to River Bluff, Cook previously held posts in the Midlands at Fairfield Central High School from 2015-2017 as assistant athletic director, defensive backs coach, head strength/conditioning coach, and head boys’ track and field coach; and at Blythewood High School from 2009-2015 as special teams coordinator, running/defensive backs coach, head strength/conditioning coach, and boys’ track and field coach. Cook also held football and track positions at three North Carolina schools, starting his career in 2004 at North Mecklenburg High School just outside Charlotte.
His career includes 14 state playoff appearances, 2 state semi-final appearances and 4 region championships.
"I am excited for Coach Cook to join Airport High School, and I have full confidence in his leadership and vision for our athletic programs,” said Airport Principal Matt Schilit. “I am quite impressed with Coach Cook's previous successful experiences, and look forward to him creating leadership opportunities for our student athletes, where they will shine both on and off the field/court. We have extremely involved students at Airport High, and I know Coach Cook will continue to create paths for our students to excel."
Cook received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Youngstown State University and a M.A.Ed. in athletic administration from Wingate University, and he holds certifications in physical education, health and wellness, and special education. He is a member of the American Football Coaches Association.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as athletic director and head football coach at Airport High School,” Cook said. “I have always admired the strong sense of pride within this school and among the alumni I have met over the years. I look forward to the work ahead as we build relationships and develop a culture the entire Airport community can be proud of.”
Cook assumes the full-time position on July 1. He succeeds Kirk Burnett, who announced his retirement earlier this year.