Biography

Sullivan first arrived at Holy Cross in 1912, and coached the men's track program for 50 years. Under his careful and expert direction, many of his track and field men achieved stardom and fame. Sullivan came to the Holy Cross campus after a great career as an amateur and professional miler and half-miler with the Boston Athletic Club. In 1900 he finished third in the BAA Marathon. In 1904, as a member of the U.S. Olympic team, he finished fourth in the 440. He began his coaching career in 1906 at Colby College. He also coached at Boston College and Boston College High School before arriving at Holy Cross. During this time, he completely dominated the New England mile field as a professional runner.

During his 50 years at Holy Cross he developed such outstanding Holy Cross track stars as Joe Higgins, Andy Kelly, Joe Tierney, Leo Larrivee, Dr. Walter Mulvihill, Jim Daley, Jim Quinn, George Gilson and field event champions like Frank Romaka, Dave Murray, Chet Lakonski and Mike Cooney. Still others who would be included in any list of the top Eastern track stars in the past thirty years are names like Danny Mullen, Tom Dignan, Tim Ring and Bernie McCafferty. Paul Murphy held the New England mile championship and in 1958, Bill Merritt was the New England indoor and outdoor quarter-mile champion.

When arriving at Holy Cross, Sullivan actually served in a dual capacity as the an athletic trainer.