Coach Mark Grounds never quite anticipated he would end up with the career he has currently as Dean of Students and head football coach for Jacksonville High School, but he doesn’t regret a single decision that has gotten him to where he is now. Grounds started out as an Analyst with the Illinois Senate Republican staff during his first four year years out of college. He took a sharp career turn as an offensive coordinator at North Park University in Chicago. “I anticipated being a college coach the rest of my life,” Grounds explains. However, when family health matters developed, he felt the need to be closer to them and the opportunity to be in Jacksonville presented itself. “I have never regretted taking that opportunity,” Grounds states.

“I really think sometimes that your career finds you,” Grounds suggests. After realizing his happiness didn’t rest in politics, Grounds debated his next move towards his future career with several options. When the opportunity to coach a camp arose, Grounds knew immediately his calling, “The moment I put the whistle around my neck, I knew I wanted to work with students.” As Dean of Students, Grounds enjoys the problem solving and teachable moments this positions presents. Grounds especially enjoys witnessing students that may have struggled previously, end up finishing their high school careers strong, “Those are the moments,” Grounds states. Grounds likes to imagine himself as a firefighter who puts out many little fires that arise throughout the day. As Dean of Students, Grounds always seems to encounter something unexpected each day, and 17 and a half years later, Grounds is still enjoying his time here at Jacksonville High School. “I enjoy helping students find their way and learn from mistakes.”

Outside of school, Grounds takes up fly fishing, hunting, and spending time with his two adored schitzu dogs. Before retiring, Grounds hopes to leave his mark on JHS by making it better than it was when he arrived. He also hopes to leave his legacy as head football coach with a state title.