Mark Novak Obituary, SANFORD, Mich. — Mark Novak, a longtime Meridian athletic coach, mentor and community figure affectionately known as “Mr. Mustang,” “Coach Novak” and “Spiff,” has died at the age of 59. Novak passed away Saturday after years of battling various health issues.
Novak’s connection to Meridian athletics spanned decades. A graduate of Meridian High School, he was a team manager for the Mustangs’ 1982 state championship baseball team before beginning his coaching career at his alma mater. Over the years, he coached sub-varsity football, middle school girls’ basketball and multiple levels of Meridian baseball.
Novak eventually became the Mustangs’ varsity baseball head coach in 2007 and spent 20 years leading the program. He compiled more than 400 career victories during his tenure and was inducted into the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2025. His combined varsity and sub-varsity baseball victories were estimated at more than 700.
Beyond the wins and championships, Novak was remembered for his commitment to student-athletes and the Meridian community. Athletic director and boys’ basketball coach Mitch Bohn described Novak as level-headed and gentle, while noting his deep connection to Meridian baseball. Blair Patty, who joined Novak as co-head coach of the varsity baseball team in 2023, said Novak loved the school and, above all, loved helping young people.
Novak’s longtime friend and fellow coach Joe Kielpinski remembered him as one of the kindest people he knew. The two began coaching football together in 1997 and shared years of memories involving football, baseball, golf, cards and countless jokes. Kielpinski said Novak had an exceptional memory and was an outstanding football play-caller and baseball coach.
Novak remained connected to his players even as health problems prevented him from attending games during his final season. Patty said Novak continued following the team through GameChanger and regularly called after games to discuss what happened. Former players also remembered him as a positive and supportive coach who made athletes feel valued regardless of their role or ability.
Novak received a heart transplant in 2016 and had struggled with kidney failure and diabetes in recent years. According to Kielpinski, the exact cause of Novak’s death remains uncertain, and an autopsy was being scheduled. His death has prompted an outpouring of memories from former players and members of the Sanford-Meridian community.
Novak is survived by his wife, Heather, and son, Hayden, according to comments shared by Patty. His legacy will remain deeply connected to Meridian athletics and the generations of young people he coached, encouraged and supported. The Sanford-Meridian community mourns the loss of a man remembered not only for his accomplishments in baseball, but for the friendship, humor, kindness and dedication he brought to those around him.
