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WINONA, Texas (KLTV) - A familiar face will be leading the Winona Wildcat athletic program, the district said in a release.

On Friday, Winona ISD announced that Kenneth Cook will serve as the new athletic director and head football coach. He had been named interim director in February and is now taking the position officially.

The decision was approved during a special board meeting Thursday night, where the Winona ISD board of trustees voted unanimously in favor of Cook’s appointment.

Cook’s journey in education and coaching began at Chapel Hill High School, where he spent eight years as a teacher and coach, notably serving as assistant coach and special teams coordinator. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in the football program, securing the 3A Division 1 state championship in 2011 and achieving the state runner-up position in 2010.

For the past seven years, Cook has been an integral part of Winona High School, earning “recognized status” as one of the top teachers in Texas through Teach Incentive Allotment. He also served as the defensive coordinator, head track coach and US history instructor.

Under his defensive leadership, the football team reached the state quarterfinals in 2016, matching the deepest playoff run in school history. Cook’s influence extended beyond the football field, with the track and field team also achieving significant success. In 2023, under Cook’s guidance, the 4x4 meter relay team qualified for the state competition, showcasing his versatility and dedication to fostering talent across multiple sports.

Educationally, Cook is a proud graduate of Gilmer High School. He pursued his passion for history, earning an undergraduate degree with a major in history and a minor in social studies from UT Tyler. Committed to furthering his knowledge and leadership skills, he later obtained a master’s degree in athletic administration from Texas A&M Commerce.

Off the field, Cook has three children with his wife Dana – Kenya, D’Keyvin and Kennedy. Speaking about his appointment, Cook expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving Winona ISD in this capacity. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the values of sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity while striving for excellence in every aspect of the athletic program.

With Cook at the helm, Winona ISD said it anticipates an exciting future for its athletic department.