Mike Rivera, Boys’ Cross Country Head Coach and Upper School Science Teacher at Bolles, has been named Head Coach of the Bolles Track & Field program. Rivera moves into the role as Dan Dearing ’95 steps away after 16 successful seasons as head coach. The current assistant coaches are expected to remain on the staff, providing a smooth transition for the program.

Rivera joined the Bolles staff in 2013 as a Chemistry teacher and head boys’ cross country coach. He has led the boys' cross country team to its most success in the last three decades. The 2017 and 2018 seasons produced consecutive state titles, Nike Cross Nationals berths, individual cross country state titles and coach of the year honors by both the Florida Dairy Farmers Sports Awards and U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

On the track, the boys’ distance runners were instrumental in Bolles winning its second-ever boys’ track and field state title in 2019, winning individual titles in the 800, 1600 and 3200-meter runs—the first for the 1600 and 3200 in program history. Rivera has coached runners to numerous school records and individual honors as well.

Dearing caps 18 total years on the track and field staff, shifting more of his focus to his role as managing partner at Professional Retirement Services, serving as assistant music director at St. Mark's Episcopal Church and most importantly to his wife, Katie, and two children.

Dearing joined the Bolles coaching staff as an assistant in 2002. In his tenure as head coach, the Bolles boys’ and girls’ teams have won a combined four state championships, 15 region championships and 22 district championships. Dearing's teams recorded 23 top-ten finishes at the state meet. He has also served as the statewide Track and Field Chairman for the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) and on the FHSAA Track and Field Advisory Committee. Dearing will continue to serve as the FACA track and field chair for the remainder of his term.

Dearing’s time on the Bolles track began as a student-athlete for the Bulldogs. A 1995 graduate, Dearing participated in football, baseball and wrestling as well as track and field. He set three school records during his prep career and was also a member of the National Honor Society.

“Coach Dearing has made a lasting impact on the Bolles track and field program, led by his passion for both Bolles and the sport of track and field,” said Bolles Athletic Director Matt Morris. “While Dan leaves big shoes to be filled, I am confident that Mike Rivera will maintain the program’s success, along with our exceptional assistant coaches.”