Each week the USF Varsity Club and GoUSFBulls.com will feature a Varsity Club Alum of the Week, highlighting their experiences in college and professionally, in addition to what they are currently up to. This week's feature highlights former USF cross country runner Bill Sullivan. Sullivan ran cross country in the early 80s at USF, when the school did not have a track team, including top 10 finishes at a pair of meets his senior season.
The purpose of the Varsity Club is to encourage past USF athletics members to be lifelong members of the USF Athletics family and to strengthen the bond between them, the University, and the department of intercollegiate athletics. The Bulls Varsity Club will strive to provide its members with the opportunity to foster and maintain relationships across different sports and generations thus promoting the interest and mission of the University of South Florida.
To become a member of the USF Varsity Club contact Kemel Thompson at (813) 974-7180 or by email at kthompson@admin.usf.edu.
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What were some of your accomplishments?
"I ran in the early 80s. I was a utility runner, always on the varsity travel squad. My best was a top 10 finish at the University of Florida and FSU meets my senior cross country season. At the time, we did not have a track team, but I personally competed in several track meets with permission of coaches Slaven and Braman, including the Florida Relays. I was recruited to USF while competing at a track meet when I was in junior college running for Terry Long, coach of Olympic medalist Walter Dix. At the JuCo Championships, Coach Slaven offered a scholarship, so that is how I ended up at USF.
"At USF I was also involved with NCAA Volunteers for Youth. The program was for athletes to mentor local students. The experience led to many other opportunities to mentor in my lifetime."
What have you been doing since your days as a Bull?
"I live in Winter Park, Fla., with my wife, Kate. I am active in the Tampa and Orlando communities and would be known in Tampa for our development of Walden Woods in Plant City. Walden Woods has been a great market success, accounting for a vast majority of the building activity in Plant City over the last three years. I'm also a land broker for projects I have been involved in which those in Tampa may recognize, including Live Oak Preserve, Grand Hampton and Fishhawk Ranch."
How did competing in cross country impact your life?
"The most important impact was how to deal with adversity. College athletics teaches us to overcome adversity with competition, stress and pain. College athletics also teaches a strong work ethic."
What did you learn from your athletic days that you've been able to apply to your everyday life?
"Preparation is key to success, that when you are in trouble, speak out early, be happy if you are underestimated, and that hard work can be enjoyable, fun and very painful at times."
What do you miss most about competing in collegiate athletics?
"The camaraderie of your teammates; it really forms a common bond. You are family for life. I also miss the competition."
What was your most memorable moment from your athletic days?
"Running for Bob Braman, the best motivator by far. His present status as NCAA Coach of the Year and his back-to-back NCAA titles proves it. I'll explain why. I was a 4:20 miler, not fast by any barometer. Before the Florida meet, I remember Braman telling me if I hung with this one four-minute miler, I could out kick him. I believed coach Braman and out kicked the guy that day."
Do you still keep in contact with some of your former coaches and teammates?
"Some not as much as I should. We did not have the Internet, nevermind Facebook, back then."
Are you still active in races or other outdoor activities?
"I have remained active since college. I ran various local road races until four years ago, when I suffered a hamstring injury, and have now switched to cycling and triathalons. This summer I cycled Vätternrundan, the largest cycling ride in Europe, in Sweden with 16,000 others for 300 kilometers (186 miles) in one ride. I have been mountain climbing, including Mount Rainier in Washington state, Mount Shasta in California, Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, Kilimanjaro in Africa and others. I was also a guide on the Tour de Mont Blanc. If you get a chance, the hike takes you through three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. You stay in mountain huts with great and inexpensive food, and you can do it without a guide. I've also been kayaking and competed in the Boggy and Bacall races in Key Largo, Fla."
Have you been able to stay involved with the program?
"About seven years ago I hosted a beginning-of-season beach day for the cross county squad at our beach house."
Do you follow the program at all?
"Yes, the track team has always been an excellent inspiration."
How do you see the USF cross country/track program growing over the next several years?
"To build a strong program, the input, involvement and the contributions of alumni is key. Also, being in the BIG EAST affords the program an excellent stage with strong competition."
