Ex-NFL Lineman Becomes St. Mark’s AD
Sean Lissemore — shown with his wife, Chelsea, and 2-year-old son, Jack — is the new athletic director at St. Mark’s. He begins his new job this week.
For the first time in more than a decade, St. Mark’s has some new faces leading its athletic department.
Sean Lissemore, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman who retired from pro football in 2017, is the school’s new athletic director.
Lissemore was drafted by the Cowboys in 2010 after a standout college career at William & Mary. He saw significant playing time in 2011 and 2012, then was traded to the San Diego Chargers, where he played three more seasons.
After his playing career, Lissemore earned a master’s degree in strategic management from Indiana University and a graduate certificate as part of the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneur Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In addition to his community service initiatives, he also has served as a communication services staff officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
At St. Mark’s, Lissemore replaces Mark Sullivan, who is leaving his post after 20 years to move into a new role as director of physical and experiential education.
“From the minute I stepped foot on campus, it was evident that this school is a very special place,” Lissemore said in a press release. “The culture at St. Mark’s is built on a strong foundation of character, integrity, work ethic, and respect. I look forward to building relationships with all of the talented student-athletes, faculty, staff, and coaches at St. Mark’s, and I hope that my experience will bring additional value to an already outstanding athletics program.”
Also, Hayward Lee is taking over the St. Mark’s football program from Bart Epperson, who led the Lions for the past 12 seasons. Lee previously was the head coach for four years prior to Epperson’s arrival, earning one SPC title. He’s also been the lacrosse coach at St. Mark’s for several years.
Epperson is second on the school’s all-time wins list with 65, and won SPC championships in each of his first two years. He also coached future NFL players Emmanuel Acho and Ty Montgomery.
The Lions finished 4-4 last season and will open their 2019 campaign on Aug. 30 at Oklahoma City Casady.
