Airport High Hires River Bluff Assistant to Lead Football, Athletics

The second and final high school head football coaching vacancy in Chronicle Country was filled Thursday night by Lexington County School District 2.

Andre W. Cook Jr., who’s spent the past four seasons as a River Bluff assistant coach, was approved by the Board of Trustees to become head coach and athletics director at Airport High School. He replaces longtime head coach Kirk Burnett who retired after 19 seasons. 

He officially comes on board July 1. 

“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 has close to two decades of coaching experience in the Carolinas. He previously served as an assistant athletics director, defensive backs coach, strength and conditioning coach and boys track and field coach at Fairfield Central, held similar positions along with serving as special teams coordinator at Blythewood and coached football and track at North Mecklenburg High School near Charlotte. 

Overall, Cook has participated in 14 state playoffs, two state semifinals and four region championships. 

"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," District Superintendent Nicolas Wade said. 

In addition to his duties as associate head coach/defensive coordinator, assistant strength coach and track and field coach, Cook served as an interim head coach in River Bluff’s 2021 season-opener. He temporarily replaced head coach C. Blair Hardin who was out due to COVID-19 protocols and led the Gators to a 28-7 win over Lugoff-Elgin. 

The same game saw Cook’s son, wide receiver Apollos Cook, catch three touchdowns. He’s expected to transfer to Airport for his senior season. 

"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."

The hiring of Cook at Airport and Gene Cathcart at Batesburg-Leesville fills the coaching positions at all 15 Chronicle Country schools