Cooley’s supporters surround for a group picture.
Wakefield renames outdoor sports complex after Dexter Cooley
On Wakefield’s 20th anniversary the outdoor sports complex will be renamed the “Dexter Cooley Athletic Complex” after our school’s first Athletic Director (AD), Dexter Cooley. Last November, the Wake County Board of Education approved the renaming of this area.
As the first AD, Cooley had a lot of work to do with building all of our sports programs from the ground up. Before retiring from Wakefield, his teams had won 11 state championships and 47 conference championships. In 2013 Cooley was named the North Carolina High School Athletics Director of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletics Association
“Coach Cooley was a guy that was very approachable. He had high expectations for his coaching staff and was there to support and help them through things,” Chancy Wolfe, the current AD said,
Cooley’s family spoke out about how thankful they are.
Cooley not only left his mark on Wakefield through his accomplishments as our AD, but he was also a beloved teacher and men’s basketball coach.
“His friendship to all of us, especially the staff, is very special. Even though he’s been gone for a few years, he still comes to games, teaches drivers ed and has remained very connected to the school,” Coach Stevens of the Wakefield men’s basketball team said.
Even as a teacher Cooley was a respected positive and friendly man, and students looked forward to taking his class.
“Cooley cultivated an environment of kindness and acceptance. He demanded excellence and had no problem talking to anyone about any problem they might have,” Jodi Reidel horticulture teacher and friend of Cooley, said.
Cooley’s family attending the ceremony.
Coach Cooley passed away on December 16 and his legacy to Wakefield High School will continue to serve the community. In addition to renaming the sports complex after him, Reidel’s FFA students have made plans to create a scholarship in his name.
To raise funds for the scholarship, FFA members will sell amaryllis bulbs that bloom in the winter, serving as a symbol of his strong fight and beautiful life. The Dexter Cooley scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior who exemplifies the spirit of Dexter Cooley and his commitment to his community and family.
“Cooley is an icon to be remembered. I cannot state how much success he has had as AD at this school,” Dawn Valentino art teacher and friend of Cooley, said. “He is the kindest and most ethical person I have ever met.”