February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
In 1983, as a Villanova University junior, Marcus O’Sullivan ran his first-ever sub-4-minute mile at a meet in North Carolina. Now, 15 years and 100 sub-4s later, the four-time Olympian and former Wildcat great will begin the next phase of his prolific career as Villanova’s head men’s and women’s track and field coach.
Wildcat Athletic Director Tim Hofferth announced the hiring of O’Sullivan recently.
“This is an exciting time for the Villanova University track and field program,” he said. “We have the opportunity to welcome back one of the most celebrated track and field figures in history as our head coach. Marcus O’Sullivan is a world-class athlete whose credentials speak for themselves. We look forward to him providing the leadership that will continue to build upon our nationally recognized track and field program.”
With 101 sub-4 miles to his credit, O’Sullivan ranks third all-time behind Steve Scott and John Walker. He hit the century mark at the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 13.
O’Sullivan’s international career has included appearances in four Olympic Games for his native country of Ireland. He competed in the 800 meters and 1500 in Los Angeles in 1984, was a finalist in the 1500 in Seoul in 1988, and raced in the 1500 at Barcelona in 1992 and Atlanta in 1996. His career highlights include three World Indoor Championships in the 1500, in 1987, 1989 and 1993, as well as a world record in the indoor 1500 (3:35.4), set in in 1989. This 1500 time, along with his best indoor mile of 3:50.9, remain among the five-best performances ever in those events indoors.
“I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity,” O’Sullivan said. “If it hadn’t been for Villanova, I wouldn’t have achieved all the success that I have had over the years, and I am thankful that I now have the ability to give something back. I am very excited to be back at Villanova, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
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During his career at Villanova, O’Sullivan captured one NCAA indoor title, 10 Big East Conference indoor and outdoor titles, two IC4A indoor championships and six Penn Relay watches.