Sullivan takes third in MW decathlon

Posted 5/21/15

Sullivan, a four-year track and field standout for the Panthers, and now a redshirt senior track star for the UW Cowboys, placed third in the decathlon at the Mountain West Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 14 in San …

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Sullivan takes third in MW decathlon

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Kyle Sullivan’s mom still keeps Powell High School head track and field coach Scott Smith updated on Sullivan’s performances at the University of Wyoming.

After all, it was Smith who played a part in getting him there.

Sullivan, a four-year track and field standout for the Panthers, and now a redshirt senior track star for the UW Cowboys, placed third in the decathlon at the Mountain West Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 14 in San Diego.

Naturally, Smith knew about it right away.

“It is a lot of fun,” Smith said. “We were at (the Class 3A West Star Valley Regional) and we’re on our phones keeping track of the Mountain West stuff that’s going on too.

“I always try to keep an eye on what Kyle is doing.”

Sullivan scored a personal-best 6,949 points across the 10 events. His third-place finish earned him All-Conference honors in the Mountain West. Sullivan also earned All-Conference recognition last season after winning the decathlon.

Decathlon competitors do not compete in the NCAA preliminary rounds, as the top 25 usually advance straight to the national championships. Sullivan said his performance likely won’t be good enough to get him to nationals, but with one more season of outdoor track left for him, he said his performance in San Diego was satisfying.

“Overall, I was happy with it,” Sullivan said of his performance this season. “I was able to win it last year, and of course you want go back down and, quote-un-quote defend your crown, but I did some good things.

“I just wanted to go back and help the team and get the most points possible.”

When informed that his former high school coach had heard of his performance, Sullivan quickly reflected on his time as a Powell Panther.

“Definitely a shout out to coach Smith and the staff he’s got out there,” the athlete said. “I love those guys and they helped me get the opportunity to come out here.

“Being from Powell, I definitely came with the attitude of not having to do everything on my own. I realized that it’s OK — if I need to — to get help from a coach,” he continued. “Powell is so supportive of its young athletes and I can always go back and talk to old teammates or coaches. It’s helped me realize I’m not alone and there’s help out there if I need it."

Sullivan hurdled and high jumped for the Panthers, and is the owner of the PHS boys school record and Class 3A record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.35 seconds. His continued success at the Division I collegiate level has come as no surprise to Smith.

“Not at all. He had good talent, but he had one of the biggest work ethics I’ve ever seen,” Smith said. “He would workout at 5 o’clock in the morning, and then go to a zero-hour weight training class. It’s right in his wheelhouse to be doing what he’s doing.”

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