RALEIGH—Dexter Cooley, the only athletic director Wakefield High School has had it in its school history, is resigning as athletic director as he battles colon cancer.

     The story was reported in The Raleigh News and Observer.

     Cooley was diagnosed in April and has been receiving chemotherapy since that time, and he is slated for surgery in early September. He will continue teaching physical education at the school and Rick Riggleman will assume the role as athletic director.

     Cooley came to Wakefield when it opened in 2000 after serving as men’s basketball coach at Millbrook.

     The Wakefield athletic director noted in the story that he was most appreciative of the outpouring of support from the school and the community.