A Bishop Brady alumnus and lifelong supporter of the program, Coach Bill Heath has led the school’s cross country teams for 27 years—all at his alma mater. He competed in both cross country and track for Bishop Brady before continuing his running career at the College of the Holy Cross, where he earned his B.A. in English in 1972 and competed for four years at the collegiate level. Coach Heath’s philosophy emphasizes personal growth above all else: “Speed doesn’t matter. All runners will run personal best times, and that’s what it’s all about.” He inspires his athletes with the words of legendary runner Emil Zatopek—“A runner must run with hope in his heart, and dreams in his head”—and reminds them that cross country is unique in its demands: “No half times, no time outs, no substitutions. It must be the only true sport.”