Vista PEAK named John Sullivan as its new football coach on Wednesday afternoon.
Sullivan has been the running backs coach at the school for the past two seasons, and was the offensive coordinator at Rangeview prior to that.
“We are so excited to have John take the reins of our football program,” athletic director Michael Hughes said in a press release announcing the hire Wednesday. “His understanding of the Vista PEAK community and his plan for the future are in line with the ideals of our athletics and activities programs.”
Sullivan takes over for Pat Rock, who founded the program in 2012. Rock’s teams went 12-18 in his three seasons.
Hughes pointed to Sullivan’s experience with the Aurora area as part of the reason for the hire.
“His ties to the Aurora community go back 15 years in APS and his understanding of our kids is also a major strength for John,” Hughes said. “Our goals here are to build a football program that from top to bottom is built on excellence. I know that the personal character traits that John will bring to the head football position are predicated on the same core principles. We are so blessed and thankful to have John taking on this role.”
The program is currently a Class 3A team, but plans to transition to 4A.
“Being a program builder and transcending a program to excellence takes a person with great foresight, but also the understanding of building your program every day,” Hughes said. “As Vista PEAK continues to grow and expand, soon to make the move to Class 4A in football, the foundation of excellence has to be built at a core level. I know that this is a challenge that John embraces and something I look forward to helping him create here at VP.”
Vista PEAK went 4-6 last season, including 4-3 in the Colorado 7 League.
The Bison will graduate their starting quarterback, two leading rushers and top tackler prior to next season. However, its top two receivers, including sophomore Dylan Holt, are expected back.