Bill Theriault, B.A. history ’69 (M.A.  education ’74), had a unconventional start to his college career.  “I started out at a community college and flunked out after a year and half,” said Bill. But he didn’t let a rocky start deter his dreams of a college education.  On his 21st birthday in 1965, Bill (who is originally from Boston) flew to California to live with his aunt and uncle and ultimately ended up at what was then Chapman College.

During his time at Chapman, Bill ran track under coach Bill Selvin.  “He had the most influence on me because he always told me that I could do anything I put my mind to,” said Bill. He was also a member of the Adelphos fraternity and remains an active Adelphos alumnus.

Fast-forward a few decades and Bill now holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and teaching credential from Chapman University. He has taught at the elementary school, high school and community college levels.  Bill pioneered the concept of a “jogathon” fundraiser, making a career out of putting on charity jogathons from 1978 to 1992.

In 1992, Bill shifted gears and followed his passion of sports massage. This career has taken him around the globe as a massage therapist for Olympic athletes. In 1984, Bill had the honor of being selected to be the Olympic mascot, Sam the Olympic Eagle (as pictured below). Bill has given more than 50,000 massages in his career and has been on the medical staff for 20 international competitions (include the Olympics). He has also been the massage therapist for the men’s and women’s track and field teams at the University of Southern California since 1995.

In his free time, Bill is an avid runner. He has completed 28 marathons and has an impressive personal record of 2 hours, 30 minutes and 8 seconds. He’s a regular participant in the Chapman University Toyota of Orange 5K Run/Walk. “For several years I have run the Chapman 5K and beaten Jim Doti, but this year he finally beat me.  But remember, I’m five years older than him.”

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