Donald C. Buie III has been named athletic director at Eastside High School.
Buie, a 2011 Eastside graduate, was a standout football player for the Rams who went on to play safety and outside linebacker on scholarship at Gardener-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
Buie, 33, graduated from Gardener-Webb in 2015 with a degree in business administration and worked as an accountant with the Alachua County School District for several years before teaching forensics science at Eastside this past school year.
Buie, who has been the defensive coordinator for the Rams’ football team the past four years, said he is committed to ensuring all 17 of Eastside’s athletic teams and programs excel and remain competitive. He said supporters of Eastside expect and deserve excellence in spirit and effort.
“Our sports programs are a reflection of the entire Eastside community,” Buie said. “We represent everything on the east side and we want to make everybody proud,”
Buie officially took over the role on June 17, replacing former AD Derek Gonsoulin.
Buie, who led the area in interceptions during his senior season, has a strong understanding of Eastside’s athletic programs and culture, said Leroy Williams, Eastside’s principal.
“As an Eastside High School alumnus and former high school and collegiate athlete, Mr. Buie truly understands our school’s culture and what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at Eastside High School,” Williams said. “His deep institutional knowledge and experience position him to serve as a positive role model for our student-athletes. Mr. Buie’s ability to provide support, mentorship, and guidance to all student-athletes will contribute greatly to his success as athletic director. We are excited to have Mr. Buie in this role, as he will provide a clear vision for success and help guide our students, coaches, staff, and the entire Ram community toward shared achievement and excellence.”
As athletic director, Buie will oversee all Eastside athletic programs while continuing to serve as defensive coordinator. He is dedicated to supporting coaches, enhancing opportunities for student-athletes, strengthening community partnerships and building a culture centered on excellence in academics, athletics and character.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as Athletic Director at the school that helped shape me as a student-athlete and person,” Buie wrote in a Facebook post. “Eastside has always been home, and I am excited to continue working with our coaches, athletes, families, and community to pursue championships and provide outstanding opportunities for our students.”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Eastside High alum takes over as school’s athletic director
Reporting by Cleveland Tinker, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cleveland Tinker, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
