One of the most accomplished track and field and cross country coaches in Missouri is making a move next school year.
Hermitage coach Mark Sabala was hired by the Waynesville Board of Education during the February board meeting.
He will replace Mike Rawlings, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.
A native of California, Sabala has been teaching at Hermitage since the 2003-04 school year.
As the head cross country coach, the boys have earned 10 State trophies, including 6 state championships. That included a run of three straight Class 1 titles from 2021, 2022 and 2023.
As the boys head track & field coach, he has won 2 State trophies including a state title in 2023.
"Mr. Sabala is a passionate track and field and cross country guru with 30 years of experience," said Waynesville Athletics/Activities Director Cory Ace to Pulaski County Weekly. "Since 2004 at Hermitage High School, he has helped shape champions within the school's cross country and track and field programs."
He will only be the track and field coach, but in an interview with MO Mile Split, he said he hopes to help out current coach Heather Horn in some capacity.
He is moving into a conference with some elite teams like Nixa, Ozark, Kickapoo and Webb City. He knows he will have to build on what's been a strong Tigers and Lady Tigers program to compete with and beat the conference's best.
He is behind the Missouri Middle School State Track and Field meet and the State Cross Country meets.
He talks about the future of those meets and where they will be after the next school year
Follow along with a myriad of topics we discussed with Sabala.