Hooper resigns as track and cross country head coach; Sullivan set to take reigns

August 29, 2006

Lacey, WA – Brad Hooper, head coach of the Saint Martin’s men’s and women’s track and cross country teams has announced his resignation. Hooper has been with both programs since their inception in 1996.

During Hooper’s 10 year tenure, the Saints have established themselves not only in the conference but beyond with the indoor track team placing 24th in the Nation in 2006, highest ever by a Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) team. The previous best was 38th, a mark set by the Saints in 2005. Under Hooper’s guidance, the Saints have also seen 59 All-Conference athletes, 12 Conference Track Champions, and 20 Academic All-Americans, including a men’s track team that was named Academic National Champions in 2003.

“Brad started and built the cross country and track programs and his athletes truly represented what student athletes are all about. His teams and individuals were constantly receiving athletic as well as academic honors,” noted University Athletic Director Bob Grisham. “The University is appreciative of all of his efforts and hard work and he will be missed.”

Set to take over immediately as head coach is Julie Sullivan. Sullivan has been an assistant coach with the program since 2004.

“Having been a part of the program for three years, the continuity is still there,” explained Sullivan. “I would have been a part of the program anyway, now it’s just in a different capacity, as head coach. I want to carry on Brad’s program, a program that he started and did so much for.”

“We are fortunate to have someone on staff with Julie’s coaching abilities and knowledge of the program and the university,” said Grisham. “Julie will provide a smooth transition for the program and our athletes. We are excited to have her take over the program.”

Sullivan competed at Seattle Pacific University where she was an NCAA Division II All-American in the 1500m. More recently she has competed in several local road races including the Issaquah Salmon Days’ 5k. Sullivan has also coached for both the Official Seattle Marathon Training Program and the Avon Three Day Breast Cancer Walk.