Holy Cross Athletics

Tom Duffy came to Holy Cross on a baseball scholarship, but ended up running track with Olympian Andy Kelly, specializing in the 440 and the relays. However, he was best remembered and known as one of the greatest track and field coaches in the country.

Duffy coached for 37 years, beginning in 1933 at Ridge Tech in Boston where he produced many state and New England champions and developed three Olympians: Ed Collymore, Charlie Jenkins and John Thomas.

Duffy coached at Holy Cross for 10 years, beginning under the late and legendary Bart Sullivan. In his 10 years on Mount St. James, Holy Cross won three New England championships. Among the athletes he coached with the Crusaders were Kevin O’Brien, John Collins and Art Dulong, all IC4A and New England champions who were named Crusader of the Year.

Duffy passed away in 1987.