Cypress Lake High parts ways with athletic director

Cypress Lake High School has relieved its athletic director from his duties almost one year after they began.

David Wasson, a three-sport letterman for the Panthers who graduated from Cypress Lake in 1991, was informed Monday morning he no longer would be needed and the school would go in a different direction.

First-year Cypress Lake principal Angela Roles has not returned phone calls seeking comment.

“I implemented a lot of changes at our school,” said Wasson, who wanted to continue working there. “Hiring Xavier McCray as our football coach was the biggest, and I expect him to do great things for our school. Athletics at Cypress Lake are in a better place than when I found it. That’s really all that matters to me.

“I’m sad for my alma mater today.”

Wasson, 41, was offered the job last October on the same Friday night at which a brawl broke out at a game against Mariner. Since then, Cypress Lake’s previous football coach was fired, and former principal Tracy Perkins volunteered her resignation.

Asked how a regime change in leadership affected his status at Cypress Lake, Wasson said: “Any change in leadership makes for the potential for it to be difficult.”

Wasson said he would look for another job in the Lee County area.

“I will continue to work hard in whatever career is next for me in a positive way,” Wasson said.

Cypress Lake has named Maureen Cannon as interim athletic director.

Cannon has served the school for 19 years as a physical education teacher, driver’s education teacher, coach and athletic trainer. She is also the longest-tenured coach at Cypress Lake.

Connect with this reporter: David Dorsey (Facebook), @DavidADorsey (Twitter).