Because he’s not able to do both, Max Ragsdale, set to become Gilbert Campo Verde’s athletic director, said Friday that he will no longer be the head football coach at the school.

Ragsdale, the only football coach in the school’s history, led Campo Verde to the 5A state finals last fall for the first time in its history. It lost to rival Gilbert Williams Field in the championship game.

Ragsdale said there are too many added responsibilities to be leading sports teams. He also will be stepping down as the wrestling coach. He will be taking over for Renee Regoli, pending Tuesday’s board approval.

He said he broke the news to his player via zoom to his team Friday.

“It was not a great time but I think they understood,” Ragsdale said. “If you take into consideration all the AD, assistant principal does, in charge of instructional leadership, there are so many duties.”

Campo Verde began playing  varsity football in 2011, going 6-5 that first season under Ragsdale, who also served for the Arizona High School Football Coaches Association.

This year’s team won a school-record 10 games.

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