The first time Kelly Sullivan met Bob De Carolis, he was interviewing for the Oregon State track and field coach position.
De Carolis was looking for someone to help revive the program from the bottom up.
Sullivan was intrigued, but did not need the position. He had experienced life as a coach at a Division I school, having spent 12 years at Auburn University as the head coach of the cross country team and assistant track coach.
He had returned to Oregon and was settled in as a coach at his alma mater, Willamette University.
"But when I met him for the interview that day, we had a very candid discussion," Sullivan said.