High school coaches do more than just coach their players in a sport. They also serve as role models for them to look up to and are big influences in their lives. Heritage Hall boys basketball head coach Dylan Sullivan says that while he has had a few, there is one coach in particular that had an impact on him. 

“The first and most obvious would be Chris Hamilton,” Sullivan said. “He was the head coach at Heritage Hall before me and I was able to serve as his assistant for eleven years. In addition, there are several coaches across the state who have been kind enough to give me advice and allow me to learn from them over the years.  They are too many to name individually, but they know who they are, and I am forever grateful for their time and selflessness throughout the years.”

While he loves coaching, Dylan says that it was not his first career choice. But in the end, he knew where he needed to be.

“My first job was in Civil Engineering,” he stated. “While it was a cool job, it just wasn’t fulfilling.  It sounds cliche, but I wanted to do something that, at the end of the day, had a direct impact on people.  And, selfishly, I wanted to do something that gave me a chance to deal with people each day and not a computer screen.  Throughout my time playing sports growing up and into high school, I had a number of coaches who influenced my life for the better, and I want nothing more than the chance to have a positive effect on our kids.”

Throughout his years on the sidelines, Sullivan has made some great memories with his teams.

“I have been a part of two state championships in basketball and another team championship in track, along with a few relay championships in track,” he said. “I have also been a part of three runner-ups in basketball.  I have been fortunate to be in a position to watch several talented teams compete while I have been at Heritage Hall, and had an incredible opportunity to be by Coach Chris Hamilton’s side and learn from him along the way.”