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Skyhawk Cross-Country Coach
Coach Mike Sullivan
Now in his tenth year as head coach of the Skyhawks' cross-country program, Mike Sullivan of Dixon continues to build a powerhouse running program at Sauk with more than 30 years of cross-country coaching experience to his credit.
As head cross-country coach at Sterling High School from 1971 to 1997 and again in 2001, Sullivan led his teams to six conference championships, two regional titles, one sectional title, a 8th place finish in state in 1984 and a 10th place finish in state in 1979.
One of his coaching philosophies is to bring athletes along at their own pace and ability to help avoid injury and discouragement. Sullivan says this philosophy has worked well for him coaching in his nine years at Sauk where he has had 35 Skyhawks qualify and compete in NJCAA national meets.
Sullivan, who retired from SHS in 2002 as a full-time instructor, served as athletic director from 1997 to 1999 and taught cooperative work training from 1999 to 2002. He was also an instructor of auto mechanics and cooperative work training at the Whiteside Area Career Center from 1968 to 1996.
Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Southern Illinois University.
Assistant Coach Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson, a former standout runner for Sauk Valley Community College, begins his fourth year as assistant coach of the Skyhawks cross-country program.
A standout runner for Sterling High School, Johnson ran for Danville Community College and was a member of its 1993 national runner-up team. In 1994, Johnson ran for the Skyhawks and was named All-American. After he graduated from Sauk, Johnson continued his running career at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, running for the Buccaneers’ cross-country team.
Still an active runner, Johnson participates in area events as well as regional triathlons. Johnson, who teaches art at Rock Falls High School, holds a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Art Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Art, both from East Tennessee State University.