Introducing, John Bolton:

John Bolton is the perfect example of turning lemons into lemonade. Once an athlete himself, John found his career cut short by an Achilles Tendon Tear. For the love of the game, our Coach Of The Year moved his title from athlete to coach and is now the head sprint/relays coach Cerritos College in California and the CEO of S.H.A.R.K.S. Athletics Club!

John expressed that “sports can change a kids life,”  so he ensures through his coaching that his athletes “don’t miss the opportunities [he] missed as a young troubled athlete.” He believes that sports aren’t only about the athletics, but “sports teach troubled youth the meaning of hard work, commitment, leadership, dedication, and gives them a chance to channel their aggression in a positive manner.”

Inspiring Moments – John Bolton:

When we asked Coach Bolton about a specific moment in his coaching career that stood out, he told us the story of Tubotein Taylor, one of this first big-time athletes when he began coaching in 2012.

“Tubotein was one of my first big time athletes when I first started coaching in 2012. He finished 2nd place in the 400m at the 2013 California Junior College State championships due to a hamstring injury. After that season he received a football scholarship to Morgan State University where he played football for 2 years. His dream was to become an NFL player, but unfortunatly, that plan didn’t work out because of his injury.

Tubotein contacted me in the fall of 2015 asking me could he start back training with me and of course I said yes. During that time Tubotein was living house to house but mainly sleeping in his car. He ran that season for me at Mt. Sac College where he became the 2016 California junior college state champion in the 400m with a time of 46.62, 4x100m & 4x400m, relay member champion, and finishing 3rd in the 200m and won his first Championship ring.

After that track season, Tubotein made the Nigeria National team and his life changed. Tubotein is still training under me now and is getting ready for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.”

Coach Of The Year 2019: