By Jennifer Mosley

Coming to KU his freshman year, Anthony Bullaro was set to be a wide receiver for the Golden Bears’ football team, with plans on being a sprinter/hurdler for the men’s track and field team later in the spring.

However, during a preseason football scrimmage, Bullaro took a nasty tackle which doctors and trainers later diagnosed as a torn ACL. After a successful surgery in November, Bullaro was told he had a decision to make.

“I talked to my coach, my family and a few friends and asked what they thought I should do. Everyone said I would have better success in track if I commit to it. Giving up football was a tough decision, but in the long run it was a smarter and healthier choice.”

So, after a year of rest and rehabilitation, Bullaro was finally cleared to run again, but yet again, something was holding him back.

“Due to my injury I fell behind in work, which really took a toll on my grades. I made up all the work and things that were missed and in the end, I was a point shy of eligibility.”

Bullaro decided that running unattached would be the best way to get back in shape and train for the next few years. He competed in three meets, running in the finals of all three, including one at a Division I meet that resulted in a win.

With help from his friends, family and his girlfriend Alaina, he eventually earned his right to be called a Golden Bear track and field athlete.

One year later, he’s a PSAC champion in the 60-meter hurdle and the holder of two school records.

“I didn’t expect to be as successful as I am now. I expected to be average as a college athlete. Running decent times and getting okay grades are what were on my mind.”

Bullaro was all smiles as he reminisced on the day of the Indoor PSAC finals.

“It was a good feeling and very unexpected. All my teammates believed that I was going to win while I expected to take second or third. After I crossed the line, I didn’t even know I won until everyone started freaking out and coming at me.”

As for the future, Bullaro plans on staying humble, breaking a few more records and brining a few more PSAC plaques back to his KU track family.