Coach “Cogs” has been coaching at Providence for 22 years.  In his first four years as Head Coach he took his team to the Class 6A State title game in 2009, the Class 6A State Semi-Final game in 2008, the 6A Quarterfinal game in 2007, and the Class 7A State Semi-Final game in 2006. Coach Cogs was named the Anthony Lawless Coach of the Year for the Chicago Catholic League Blue division in 2009 as his team went undefeated in the conference. He was also named the Southtown/Star Coach of the Year in 2009.  His stellar defenses and tireless work ethic served him well as an assistant, and those same traits make him a successful head coach. Somehow he hides a strong competitive spirit under a cool and quiet demeanor. 

Cogs is a graduate of Brother Rice High School (‘81). He then went on to attend Millikin University where he played football and ran track, while earning his B.S. He then worked towards his M.S. from Illinois State University, where he also served as a football graduate assistant. 

After a stint as Defensive Coordinator for Evergreen Park High School, he found his current coaching home with Providence.

Mark is a Biology teacher and also serves as Head Coach for the Boys Track Team who were Conference Champs in 2006 and 2007. He was also named the Anthony Lawless Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2007.  His only get away from teaching and coaching seems to be NASCAR!  

Currently the Coglianese family resides in New Lenox. The entire family bleeds Celtic green! Mark and Betty (The main COG!) have been married for 23 years and have two children, Mark (PCHS Class of 2008) a junior at Eastern Illinois University studying education, and Amanda (PCHS Class of 2011). Both have been avid Little Celtics their whole life!

5back to top5