Pat was born into a coaching family, his father was a long time coach at East Grand Forks. He began his coaching and teaching careers at Grand Forks Central in 1967 and continued teaching until 2002.

During those years, he was the head Cross Country coach (1967-73), head Boys Track coach (1967-85), assistant Football coach (1967-68), head Girls Track coach (1980-85) head Girls Basketball coach (1974-85), assistant Boys Basketball coach (1967-85), head Boys Basketball coach (1985-93), and an assistant coach at Sacred Heart (1961-65).  Pat was involved with the Boys Basketball teams that were state champions in 1970 and 1974, second place in 1978, and qualified in 1985 for state with a win over Fargo South when he perfected the “Sullysault”. Dick Vinger described Sully as the best X & O’s basketball coach that he ever knew.

In addition to teaching Physical Education at GFC, Sully also was a radio and TV color Commentator and the Master of Ceremonies at countless events. Pat was also an avid weight lifter and state champion in the bench press.

Pat Sullivan passed away in 2009.