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John Cullick honored for 50 years of dedicated service to Coal City Schools
It was a golden afternoon at Cullick Field, as the Coal City High School Athletic Department honored one of its own—John Cullick—for 50 years of dedicated service and commitment to the Coal City School District.
In 1975, Mr. Cullick was teaching and coaching at Gardner Grade School when he got the call to make the move to Coal City. In his first two years with the district, he coached middle school basketball. Then in 1978 he took the reins of the high school team serving as its head varsity coach—a position he held for nine seasons with a record of 120 wins. His success on the court was recognized by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association who inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1988.
Mr. Cullick’s commitment to student-athletes led him to the position of district athletic director, a position he held from 1986 until his retirement in 2003. But as anyone familiar with Coalers Athletics knows—Mr. Cullick’s commitment to the school district and its athletic programs remains just as strong as the day he started.
“Not only did Mr. Cullick oversee an athletic department that experienced significant growth and success, but he also dedicated the extra time necessary to take the outdoor athletic facilities to a level of excellence no one thought possible,” said Brad Boresi, the school’s current athletic director.
In spring 2003, the high school baseball field was dedicated and named John H. Cullick Field, an honor recognizing his unwavering commitment to the Coal City School District and its student-athletes.
Following retirement from his day-to-day duties with the district, Mr. Cullick was hired as a part-time athletic groundskeeper—a title he still holds today.
The pre-game ceremony on May 19 served as a tribute marking Mr. Cullick’s half- century milestone with Coalers Athletics during which time countless students benefited from his leadership both on and off-field.
"From athletes past and present," Boresi added "current and former coaches; community members; families; all wish to express their gratitude for your unwavering support over these last five decades."
Cullick''s legacy continues inspiring future generations within this tight-knit community that gathered en masse celebrating this remarkable achievement while presenting him with custom #50 jersey symbolizing years devoted towards nurturing young talent across various sports disciplines throughout illustrious career span serving multiple roles including coach & administrator alike!
