Now, he's the chief signal caller for the district's athletic programs as the new athletic director.

Nance, who has served as assistant athletic director since 2000, will succeed his former coach, friend and mentor Bill Newcomb. Newcomb is retiring from the district after more than 40 years of service.

"I've looked forward to this opportunity for a long time," Nance said. "I am very fortunate and I have learned a lot from Bill over the years. The athletic programs are in great shape, thanks to his guidance. It will be my job to keep building on what's in place."

Retiring athletic director Bill Newcomb, left, will hand off his duties to his assistant Dick Nance this summer. The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Nance as the new athletic director recently. Nance was a quarterback at South Houston High when Newcomb was an assistant coach in 1970. Nance then returned to his alma mater, where he served as an assistant coach and 10 years as head coach before becoming assistant athletic director.

"Dickie has always been a leader," Newcomb said. "You could tell that by the way he led on the field as a quarterback and on the sidelines during his coaching career. He approaches his job in athletic administration the same way. It's very nice to see that such a great individual and friend will be leading the athletic program.

"This job is a service," he added. "You must be a people person and always make sure the kids come first. Dickie Nance exemplifies those qualities."

During Nance's coaching career, his 1995 South Houston team made the playoffs and his 1996 squad was an area playoff finalist and bi-district champions. He was also named the Pasadena South Rotary Club's Coach of the Year in 2001-02.

As the new athletic director, Nance said he plans to "do everything I can to make sure we're successful in every sport."

To that end, Nance said he will focus on the recruitment and retention of quality coaches.

"I want to make Pasadena ISD as friendly of a place for them to be and give them the resources and support that will help them be successful. I want them to feel like they are a vital part of a winning team," he said.

Nance said he would like to see the athletic programs at the intermediate and high school levels continue to help the student-athletes reach high levels of achievement.

"We want the best for our student-athletes," he said. "We want to see them excel on the field, or on the court and in the classroom. At the intermediate level, we need to make sure are programs are strong, so our kids want to participate when they reach high school. At the high school level, we need to put our best and brightest coaches to work with the younger kids, such as at the freshman level and keep them interested."

Nance also wants to explore the idea of upgrades to some athletic facilities.

"Some of our facilities are over 30 years old," he said. "We still have some of the best facilities around, but there are some repairs we will need to look at down the road."

Nance will officially take over the position at the end of July. "It's something that Bill reminds me of every day," he joked. "The transition will be a smooth one. I'll be able to hit the ground running."