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Alumni Highlight | Bill Runey, Jr. ’84

Bill Runey’s time at BEHS helped him chart the course for what has been a fulfilling 34-year career in education. He credits his parents as well as great role models in the classroom and in athletics and strives to forge a legacy that they would be proud of.

After graduating from St. John’s School in North Charleston, Coach Runey entered BEHS as a member of the class of 1984. Sadly, his father died in January of his freshman year leaving a void that only his BE Family could attempt to fill. While at BE, he played football, was an officer in the Key Club, and graduated near the top of his class. From there, it was on to Clemson to major in Education and an (unofficial) minor in fraternity life.

At 21, Coach Runey started as a math teacher and coach (football, basketball, and baseball) at our storied campus at 203 Calhoun Street. After receiving his Master’s at The Citadel, he served as Disciplinarian for Grade 10 while still maintaining his teaching and coaching duties. While being named Vice Principal in 1997 was an honor, he quickly learned that his first task would come with a steep learning curve as he was the point person for the historic move from downtown to Daniel Island. He coached the Battling Bishops to the last victory in the famed Father O’Brien gymnasium. That summer, he and Coach Spence led a moving crew made up of many of their student-athletes; and while the work was challenging, they had an amazing experience, including World Cup level “tape soccer” in the new library. Being able to open the new BEHS on time was an important part of his legacy.

While on Daniel Island, Coach Runey continued his coaching duties while maintaining his service as Vice Principal. Being a part of a new era with a state-of-the-art academic environment; a stunning arts center; and, for the first time in school history, a full complement of athletic facilities that solidified our school as the place to “BE” was extremely fulfilling as both a graduate and administrator. He retired as Head Varsity Basketball Coach in 2005 after being named Coach of the Year leading the Battling Bishops to the Elite Eight. He and his team received the incredible honor of being the pallbearers when our beloved Father Robert Kelly passed away.

In 2006, he and his family relocated to Attleboro, Massachusetts, and he was named Principal of Bishop Feehan High School, one of the premier Catholic schools in New England. His six-year term at Feehan was marked by assisting in the multi-million dollar fundraising effort to turf the football stadium and renovate an existing convent into a Library Media Center.

In 2012, Coach Runey stepped into his greatest challenge. After twenty-four years in Catholic education, he chose to take the position of Principal at Attleboro High School. Choosing to leave for the rival school across town was perplexing to some, but he saw it as an opportunity to truly follow in his Dad’s footsteps as a public school educator at a community high school in a close-knit town. AHS is a school of roughly 1800 students and 250 staff. In his exceptional 10-year career, he and his staff have put AHS on the national scene by being named to the prestigious Washington Post list of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools.” In a time when public funding is scarce, Bill has had a major fundraising role in three significant projects: a $5.2 million stadium renovation project; the creation of an academic booster club…The Blue Pride Ambassadors Club…who has raised nearly $400,000 in the past six years; and the coup de gras: the construction of a $260 million new high school set to open in August.

Not satisfied with just leading a high school, Coach Runey is leaving the Blue Pride Community in Attleboro as he was the unanimous choice to become the next Superintendent of Schools for the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District. Ascending to the highest level of educational leadership is both an honor for him, but also a tribute to his uncle, Larry Bolchoz, who served as his mentor during practicum work in 1993.

All of this success aside, he feels that his greatest accomplishments are his three children: Mary Katherine, age 28 and currently a Math teacher and Head Varsity Volleyball coach with her Dad at Attleboro; Kimberly, age 24 and currently the Director of Partner & Community Development for the South Carolina Stingrays; and William III, age 19 and a Civil Engineering major at Clemson.

Upon being notified of this alumni feature, Coach Runey stated, “When I was a student at BE, I just tried to make the most of the opportunity that my mother provided to me to get a Catholic education. I wasn’t the greatest athlete or the Student Council president but I was a good student, a loyal teammate, and an unconditional friend. I’m grateful for how BEHS influenced me. I was truly inspired by your (BE’s) glorious name.”

Coach Bill Runey, Jr. ’84

What do you remember from your high school years at BE? 

Well, what I really remember the most is the sense of family and school spirit.  You know my dad died in January of my freshman year. My aunt, Mrs. Bolchoz; Father Kelly; Coach Cantey; Mr. Theos; and Coach Lavelle all wrapped me up in their collective arms and made sure I had what I needed. I remember one evening when my dad was near the end, Mr. Theos came to my house and pulled me off to the side and handed me a $50 bill, and said make sure you get your family something nice for Christmas. The BE family culture – that is what formed my identity of what type of coach, assistant principal, principal, and now superintendent I wanted to be.

 

What impact did attending Bishop England have on your life?

I think my years at BE solidified my desire to become a teacher. My dad had been a teacher, a coach, and an athletic director. I lived the coach’s life and it was something I was drawn to. And then seeing the way I was supported during my freshman year at BE made me want to start my career in Catholic education. Right out of Clemson, I was hired to teach at Bishop England – man was I fortunate to get that job. I was actually hired while I was still a junior at Clemson.  The year before I graduated I had secured my first teaching job.  I was substitute teaching at BE during spring break of my junior year in 1987 when Mr. Theos called me down to his office. He asked if I was still in education at Clemson and if I was still planning on teaching math and coaching.  I told him that was still the plan and he said, “Well, I just found out one of our math teachers is retiring at end of next year and that coincides with when you graduate.  Would you like to have her job?” I said yes, and then Theos picks up the phone and calls Jack Cantey in the athletic department. “Jack, I’m going to bring Billy Runey on as a teacher starting in August of ‘88 – will you have a coaching job available for him?” Cantey answered yes and the rest is history

Who influenced you the most while at BE?

I’d have to say my aunt, Alice Bolchoz.  My mom was a single parent during my last three years at BE and during that time Aunt Alice became a surrogate mother for me. She would always sneak me desserts out of the faculty lunchroom, and always made sure I had something to eat before going to football practice.  She was instrumental in me securing financial aid to attend Clemson. It’s funny though – I find myself cursing her all of the time because I do not know how to type. During my senior year, I wanted to take typing but Aunt Alice made me take an additional science course. Of course, the extra science made me a better teacher, but to this day I still cannot type!

Life after Bishop England? College/Graduate School?

After BE, I went to Clemson and majored in Education. As mentioned before, I got my start at BE in August ‘88 as a math teacher and coach. I got my Master’s in School Administration at The Citadel in 1993. I was a Disciplinarian, interim Vice Principal in 1994 when Coach Lavelle was sick and was eventually named Vice Principal in 1997. From 1988 until 2005, I was fortunate to coach football, basketball, and baseball.

Describe a current day in the life of Coach Runey!

Attleboro starts at 7:15 am so my feet hit the floor at 5 am to get to work by 6:15 am. Unfortunately, a Principal’s day is eaten up with several meetings. Since we are finishing our new high school next door, I spend a lot of time coordinating the move and staying informed on the progress of construction to help ensure that we are on time and on budget. I wish I had more time to get into classrooms so I try to make up for that by coming back to school several nights a week for various activities and sports. 

What are the most difficult and rewarding aspects of your job?

As important as my work in Catholic education was, being a Principal and (in July) a Superintendent in the public sector allows me to do as much, if not more, of God’s work than ever. Being able to work with students from so many demographics is very fulfilling as I see, first-hand, how many of them fail to have the necessary support and lean on their educational experience so heavily. What’s difficult is finding time to do the things that I really love about education: observing classes, supervising the cafeteria, or just chatting in the halls.

What would alumni be surprised to learn about you?

The younger alums that were my students and players would be surprised that I’m much more laid back than in my early career. Really! Unfortunately, there were times when my emotions got the best of me. Just ask my basketball players or the cheerleaders that had to listen to my bus rants. I’ve mellowed as I’ve aged.

Hobbies?

For most of my adult life, my hobbies have been supporting my kids…not only the three of my bloodline but all of my students. Attending concerts, games, plays, and competitions are things that I really enjoy. In my free time, I follow Clemson football with a passion and walk about 35 miles a week for exercise and stress relief. 

If you could give one piece of advice to current BE students, what would it be?

Soak up every single opportunity that’s provided to you.  Go to as many home athletic contests as you can. Participate in every single opportunity to go to adoration or daily mass.  Just completely immerse yourself in the Bishop England High School experience because it is like no other.  I know that from having worked in three different schools.  There is nothing like BE. The school spirit, the service opportunities, and the faith-based opportunities that our students have is something that every student needs to take advantage of.