Thomas Sullivan, the new head varsity football coach at Hollister High School, is no stranger to small-town football.
Sullivan, hired in March to lead the respected Haybalers football program, grew up playing youth football in Watsonville. He watched his older brother play for Watsonville High before starting his own standout high school career. As a nose guard and offensive guard for the Wildcatz, Sullivan helped the team win a league title in 1994. That season ended with a loss to Salinas High in the Central Coast Section championship game.
After high school, Sullivan continued his football career. He became an all-conference nose guard at Cabrillo College in Aptos and finished his college career at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, a small town with a population of just 1,800.
“I got to see small-town football out there,” Sullivan said, noting that Hollister’s program offers a special atmosphere.
He described Baler football as “a reflection of the community—a great mix of blue-collar, hardworking, family-oriented people.” Sullivan added that being the only high school in town gives the program a unique old-town football feel. “A lot of people compare it to Texas football, but I think it’s more like how it used to be everywhere. It’s still like that here, and that’s special,” he said.
Building Young Men On and Off the Field
Sullivan replaces Bryan Smith, who was dismissed last year after nine seasons. Smith, a former Baler standout, succeeded longtime head coach Chris Cameron in 2016 and had previously hired Sullivan to his staff.
Before becoming the new head coach, Sullivan served as the junior varsity head coach and also coached the Balers’ offensive and defensive lines, tight ends, and special teams. He is also a special education teacher at Hollister High.
Last season, the Balers finished with a 5-7 overall record and went 1-5 in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan Division. Despite the tough season, the team made the playoffs thanks to a strong schedule and won a Central Coast Section Division III playoff game before losing to Carmel High, 42-21, in the semifinals.
Sullivan began his coaching career at his alma mater, Watsonville High, in 2002. He later served as the Wildcatz’s head coach from 2009 to 2011, leading them to a Monterey Bay League title in his first season. He left to earn his special education teaching credential.
Now back in a head coaching role, Sullivan said he feels re-energized.
“It’s exciting to be back building a program. That’s one of the parts I enjoy the most,” he said. He also shared that leading the JV team reignited his passion for helping young men grow. “It’s a transitional period, and I’m really excited.”
Two returning varsity players, quarterback Cruz Raquet and inside linebacker Tripp Felice, are excited for the fresh start.
“I’m looking forward to building a super passionate team,” Raquet said. “Last season was tough, but now we have a coach we grew up with.”
Felice said the team already feels united. “There’s a brotherhood on the team. We’re super close. I can’t wait to battle with my brothers in the weight room and on the field,” he said.
This year, more than 100 players are expected to try out for the 65-player roster, Sullivan said.
Preparing for Strong Competition
On offense, Sullivan said the team will use a multiple formation system. This approach will allow the Balers to adjust based on their players’ strengths.
“If we have a great quarterback like Cruz, we might spread the ball out more. If we have a strong running back, we might run more,” Sullivan explained.
On defense, Hollister will use a “50” base formation with five defensive linemen. The goal is to attack opposing offensive lines and create pressure. However, Sullivan emphasized the need for flexibility. “We’re built to stop the run, but we also have to adjust when teams spread us out,” he said.
Sullivan knows the Balers face a tough road. Their league includes three teams that have won state championships in the past three years.
“Every game feels like a playoff game,” Sullivan said. “The competition is strong, but that’s what makes us better. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
When asked about last season’s struggles and the coaching change, Sullivan declined to comment.
“It would be irresponsible for me to talk about another team,” he said. “Winning at the high school level is hard. Injuries and other challenges make it even tougher. But we’re not focused on the past. We’re looking ahead to the future.”
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