Frank Simms, left, takes over as Island Coast High School's Athletic Director, while Chris Burnett, right, is set to take over as head football coach. PROVIDED BY ISLAND COAST HIGH SCHOOL

A changing of the guard is taking place at Island Coast, as the high school welcomes in a new athletic director and head football coach.

Island Coast outgoing Athletic Director Michael Dubbelde announced on Thursday that Frank Sims would be taking over the role, while Chris Burnett takes the reigns as the football coach.

“The opportunity to work here at Coast has been an absolute blessing,” Dubbelde said. “The Athletic Department and football team are in great hands with these two gentlemen.”

Simms, who has been a science teacher at Island Coast, said, “I am most excited about continuing the wonderful growth and successes of the athletic program at Island Coast High School.”

His three goals are to increase student-athlete participation, increase student-athlete academic successes and increase stakeholder involvement via volunteerism, monetary contributions and attendance.

When asked what makes him the best choice to take over the role, Simms said, “First and foremost, my love of education and athletics, and my desire to help student athletes achieve their highest potential. Additionally, my fiscal accountability and organizational strategy garnered from working in the private sector for many years.”

Burnett said he’s excited to take on the large senior class and build on the foundation outgoing coach Elgin Hicks started. The Gator football team went 2-8 last year.

“We have a ton of room for growth, and I can’t wait to see it all put together,” Bernett said.

His top three goals are to build the G.A.P. (Gator Academic Program), find unity as a team and community outreach.

When asked what makes him the best choice to take over the role, Burnett said, “I think what made me the best choice is I am for the kids. For me, coaching and football is bigger than wins and losses. I have learned some of the best habits and life skills from football. Being able to pass that down to these young athletes is what life is about. I understand being a kid from a small town and having great goals. Now we must learn what does it take to accomplish our goals and do it the right way.”

— Connect with Associate Sports Editor CJ Haddad on Twitter: @haddad_cj