Former McCluer North coach Scott Sissom signed on to help lead the Missouri Baptist University men’s cross-country and track and field programs for the 2012-2013 season, the university announced Wednesday.

With 12 years of coaching experience under his belt, Sissom was formerly the head track and field coach at both Hazelwood East High School in the Hazelwood School District and at McCluer North High School in the Ferguson-Florissant District.

During his time as a high school coach, Sissom led two teams to Missouri State Championships.

Sissom was himself a multi-sport athlete in high school, where he competed in track and field, football and wrestling. He also received a wrestling scholarship in 1991 to the University of Missouri, which is an NCAA Division I school.

Former Rockwood School District Intramural Coordinator and coach Mark Sissom was hired to be the head coach, with his 24 years of coaching experience and six MSHSAA District Championship titles, among other qualifications.  

While neither Sissom is a stranger to college sports, Missouri Baptist University will be both coaches’ first opportunity to coach them.

"Mark and Scott Sissom are two of the most reputable track and field coaches in St. Louis," said Dr. Tom Smith, director of athletics at MBU. "Because they are so well-respected in the area, I think we will see a significant increase in the number of local student athletes choosing to attend MBU."