University of Massachusets Athletics
Mass Impact: Thomas Wolff '78
January 12, 2021 | Men's Cross Country, Men's Track & Field, The Minutemen Club
AMHERST, Mass. -- Welcome to Mass Impact, presented by the UMassFive College Credit Union! Mass Impact is a series featuring alumni discussing how their experiences at the University of Massachusetts helped shape their lives and made them the people they are today.
Today, Thomas Wolff '78 reflects on the impact his UMass cross country and track and field career had on his professional career as a Nike Executive and now as a business consultant.
What transferrable skills did you learn as a student-athlete that have helped you be successful in your field?
The transferable skills I learned as a UMass student-athlete were the value of hard work, perseverance in pursuit of objectives and goals, and thriving in a team-based environment in corporate life.
Who had the greatest influence on you during your time at UMass?
The greatest influence on me during my time at UMass was Ken O'Brien, who was the men's cross country and track coach. He placed a premium on hard work and he was tough but fair. He was a renowned coach who had brought UMass national success, but he was willing to change and adapt based on the athletes running for him at the time.
How did being a Division I student-athlete help shape who you are today?
I think above all it has given me a sense of gratitude and appreciation for being able to compete at a high level as a student-athlete and being appreciative for the doors and opportunities it opened for me in my work life.
How has UMass Athletics left a lasting impact on your life?
The lasting impact for me has been all of the great friendships with my teammates that started when I began to run as a freshman in 1974 and continue to this day. It's a tribute to the quality and character of the people that made up the team and I am proud to have them be an important part of my life.
Today, Thomas Wolff '78 reflects on the impact his UMass cross country and track and field career had on his professional career as a Nike Executive and now as a business consultant.
What transferrable skills did you learn as a student-athlete that have helped you be successful in your field?
The transferable skills I learned as a UMass student-athlete were the value of hard work, perseverance in pursuit of objectives and goals, and thriving in a team-based environment in corporate life.
Who had the greatest influence on you during your time at UMass?
The greatest influence on me during my time at UMass was Ken O'Brien, who was the men's cross country and track coach. He placed a premium on hard work and he was tough but fair. He was a renowned coach who had brought UMass national success, but he was willing to change and adapt based on the athletes running for him at the time.
How did being a Division I student-athlete help shape who you are today?
I think above all it has given me a sense of gratitude and appreciation for being able to compete at a high level as a student-athlete and being appreciative for the doors and opportunities it opened for me in my work life.
How has UMass Athletics left a lasting impact on your life?
The lasting impact for me has been all of the great friendships with my teammates that started when I began to run as a freshman in 1974 and continue to this day. It's a tribute to the quality and character of the people that made up the team and I am proud to have them be an important part of my life.
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