In Mike Brooks first reign as had cross country coach, he had six female athletes and eight male athletes break into to top ten all-time list in IC history. Chelby Sullivan captured All-Midwest Conference honors with a time of 20:54 and became the first Lady Blue to earn such honors under Brooks. Both the men and the women improved their 2005 finish in the MWC Championship. Brooks expects the climb up the MWC standings to continue this 2007 season.
From 2001-2007, his indoor and outdoor track & field teams have bettered their team performances in the MWC. In 2007, the Blueboys had their best ever finish at the MWC indoor and outdoor Championships, scoring 133 points and finishing second in the Conference. Illinois College was led by D.J. Jackson, who won nine All-Midwest Conference honors, including setting the outdoor 100 meter conference record. During both seasons the Blueboys more than doubled their team scores from the previous year. Brooks was voted MWC Men’s Head Coach of the Year for this achievement through both the indoor and outdoor season.
Since Brooks arrival in 2001 at Illinois College, the cross country and track program has produced over 136 All-Midwest Conference Honors and four national qualifiers.
Brooks is a graduate of Stronghurst High School (1972) and Illinois State University (1976), with graduate work at Illinois State, Sangamon State, and Western Illinois. Coach Brooks holds a Level II Coaching Certification from USA Track & Field with an emphasis in sprints, jumps and endurance.
Brooks attributes much of the success IC has experienced to a talented coaching staff. He believes that track athletes at Illinois College can look forward to being coached by some of the best event coaches in the area. The staff includes Peggy Brooks specializing in hurdles and short sprints, Candice Hoskins specializing in middle distance, Greg Tanner specializing in high jump, Jerry Rowland specializing in pole vault, and Ron Summers, Ashley Meyers, and Mike Magner specializing in throws while Coach Mike Brooks specializes in sprints and jumps.
Coaching Philosophy:
Every athlete is important to our program. Each athlete will set team and personal goals. Practices are designated to help athletes reach these goals. A “family atmosphere” is emphasized. Each team member will be there to support and encourage others on and off the track. Lifetime lessons about work ethic, goal achievement, and loyalty will result.