Hall of Fame
Bart Sullivan, known as ‘Mr. Holy Cross,’ served both as the head track coach and head trainer. 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 1904, he finished third in the Boston Marathon. Later that year, as a member of the 1904 U.S. Olympic team, he finished fourth in the 440. He began his coaching career in 1906 at Colby College, and 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 time as Holy Cross’ head coach from 1912-1964, Sullivan developed such outstanding Holy Cross track stars as Joe Higgins, Andy Kelly, Joe Tierney, Leo Larrivee, Walter Mulvihill, Jim Daley, Jim Quinn and 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 are names like Danny Mullen, Tom Dignan, Tim Ring and Bernie McCafferty. In Sullivan’s later years as coach, Paul Murphy won the New England mile championship, and in 1958 Bill Merritt was the New England indoor and outdoor quarter-mile champion.
Sullivan’s role as trainer can not be forgotten as a major factor in maintaining the strength and health of all athletes at Holy Cross. His skill and dedicated care of Holy Cross athletes was vital to their individual and team success.
He also served as the head coach of the Crusader football team for one season in 1918, leading Holy Cross to a perfect 2-0 record. Sullivan was inducted into the Helms Foundation Hall of Fame in 1961.
