Gary Sullivan in Major League Soccer

by Tim McAleer

When the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft was held on January 16th, Adelphi senior Gary Sullivan knew he had a chance at hearing his name called. A small gathering of supporters arrived at his parents' home in West Islip, Long Island to be with Gary on draft day.

"The draft wasn't televised, so my family and friends were watching on the computer and listening on the radio," said Sullivan. With the first two rounds completed, Gary's fate was still undecided. "I didn't expect to go that early, but it was still just nerve-wracking. I figured I'd probably get taken in the third or fourth round."

Adelphi's Gary Sullivan will soon be sporting a Colorado Rapids jersey. aupanthers.com

When that didn't happen, his mother Linda began pacing the hallways, searching for words of encouragement to offer her son. "She was so nervous," he recalled. "She was wondering what she was going to say to me if I didn't make it."

Fortunately for the Sullivans, it was a conversation that mother and son did not need to have, as Gary was drafted by the Colorado Rapids with the fifth pick of the fifth round. "Once my name was called, it was just a weight off my shoulders. Even though I went late in the draft, I still have the opportunity to prove myself now on the field."

Now officially a member of the MLS, Sullivan couldn't wait to find out more about his new team. "A lot of people have told me I was lucky to be drafted by the Rapids," he said. "Colorado fans are crazy and they're really passionate about their teams." As a member of the Rapids, Sullivan will play his home games in Denver's Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos. "I went on their (the Rapids') website after I was drafted and found out that last year on July 4th, they had over 60,000 people at one game," said Sullivan. "Can you imagine that? 60,000 people! I played in Holland in a development league and we'd get a few thousand people to the games, but nothing like that. I can't wait to step out in front of that type of crowd."

Despite an abysmal record of 3-10-2 on the road, the Rapids were virtually unbeaten at home. In fact, they had the third best home record in the league as they went 8-2-5 last season. While the Colorado crowd certainly gives the Rapids a boost, the fans are not the only home field advantage.

According to Sullivan, the altitude also plays a major role. "It's funny," said Sullivan, "I'd hear all about how the altitude can have an effect on you, but I had no clue it could be this much of a factor. It definitely has hit me. After running for a while, it literally feels like my lungs are burning. It's a huge advantage for us as a team during home games. Players on opposing teams come here and their bodies just aren't used to the altitude. During the last 20-30 minutes of games, they've got nothing left."

Before committing to their fifth round draft pick, the Colorado Rapids did some research of their own. Although they never spoke to Sullivan personally before the draft, the Rapids contacted members of Adelphi's coaching staff to get background information about Sullivan's work habits and personality. "Obviously they look for talented players," said Sullivan, "but character is also extremely important. They're really looking for players that'll fit into their family."

During his time at Adelphi, Sullivan's work habits could never be called into question. He would frequently spend two to three hours a day inside the gym trying to improve his game. If there were no coaches or teammates available to help him with agility drills or passing, he would work on his "touch" by kicking a soccer ball back and forth against a wall.

Despite his positive attitude and work ethic, and even though he started in 71 games during his four years as a defender for Adelphi's soccer team, Sullivan knows he has his work cut out for him. The Rapids drafted three other defenders and have four more returning from the 2003 season.

"It's nothing new," said Sullivan. "I've never been guaranteed anything and I've always taken the attitude that I'd need to compete each day for my spot. My freshmen year at Adelphi, I felt like maybe I was too small. I thought that I wasn't tall enough and I really didn't weigh much at all so I wasn't sure how much I'd play. I certainly never assumed that I'd start. I'm just grateful for the opportunity I've been given."