At practice with the team in advance of the First Four game in Dayton, Ohio.
Greenan Sullivan, men’s basketball chaplain will be in the locker room and in prime seating at UD Arena Wednesday night to support the student-athletes and cheer on the Mountaineers as the team takes on American University in its NCAA Tournament First Four matchup in Dayton, Ohio.
A third theology student in his fifth year at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Sullivan is from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. He is in his fourth year as the team’s chaplain. He offered several insights to the team’s culture, beginning with the ”strong spirit of self-sacrifice for each other” that is a major reason that the team has a 22-12 record, the most wins for a Mountaineer’s team since joining NCAA Division I in 1988-89. “Each member of the team is always ready to put his personal preferences aside for the sake of the team,” Sullivan said.
The team chaplain also noted that “from top to bottom,” this team “is one of the most joyous teams” he has supported spiritually. “The team really enjoys each other's company, and it is pleasure to be around them,” he said.
Sullivan emphasized the team’s remarkable perseverance and resiliency when faced with adversity and setbacks throughout the season. “Nowhere was this more apparent than in the MAAC championship, where down two key players, others stepped up and got the job done,” he proudly shared.
At each basketball game, Sullivan prays with the team. He builds a 
relationship with each team member, challenging them to grow in their faith and aiding in their spiritual development.
Sullivan has an outline ready for a First Four game prayer: “As we come together for this game, we thank you heavenly Father for the wonderful opportunity you have given us to glorify your name through the game of basketball. We ask that you give us the grace to play to the best of our ability, to sacrifice for each other on the court, and to fight to the very end. Keep us free from serious injury and harm, and if it be your will grant us victory. We make this prayer through your son Jesus Christ and the intercession of our Blessed Mother. Amen.”