Beth Alford-Sullivan has done a tremendous job leading the Tennessee Vols track and field program ever since taking over all of it five years ago. However, this was her worst outing as a leader of all the teams.
Nobody really stood out, and again, this was her fifth season. Indoor women’s track and field finished only eighth in the SEC. Outdoor women’s track and field finished ninth in the SEC and only 66th nationally. Indoor Men’s track and field, meanwhile, finished sixth in the SEC and 35th nationally, while outdoor men’s track and field finished seventh in the SEC and 61st nationally.
The only track and field program that stood out was the women’s indoor program at least finishing 21st nationally. Only men’s cross country, which finished fourth in the SEC and third at the NCAA South Regional Championships, was comparable. Women’s cross country finished seventh in the SEC and fourth at the NCAA South Regional Championships.
Simply put, it was a year of mediocrity for Alford-Sullivan as a whole given the four different official sports she directs. As a result, that combined with her experience forced us to put her next to last on this list. But she is still a proven coach overall.