BOSTON - Boston University Athletics will honor BU Hall of Famer and track & field All-American Sharon Colyear-Danville ('83) when the annual BU Season Opener takes place at BU's Track and Tennis Center on Saturday, Dec. 1.
 
The meet will be renamed the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener to celebrate one of the most dominant student-athletes to ever compete for BU. A new banner will be unveiled at the TTC in a ceremony before the start of the season's first track competition.
 
"I am thrilled to announce that our Season Opener will be renamed for Sharon Colyear-Danville," said BU's director of track & field and cross country, Robyne Johnson. "Sharon set numerous BU records, represented Great Britain at the 1976 and 1984 Olympics Games and was an All-American. But more importantly, off the track her inspirational battle against cancer continues to inspire and help countless others. We are so happy to name this annual meet in her honor." 
 
Competing indoors, Colyear-Danville excelled in the 55 meters, the 55 meter hurdles, the 200 meters, and also was part of a school 4x400 meter relay record. On the outdoor circuit, she dominated the 100 meters, 400 meter hurdles, 4x100 meter relay, and the sprint medley relay.

While competing at the 1980 AIAW Indoor Track and Field Championships, the Manchester, England native set a women's United Kingdom mark in the 60 meter hurdles. She ran a record time of 8.22 in her semi-final heat, and eventually placed second in the finals. That finish earned her All-America honors.
 
During her career at Boston University, Sharon won 13 Greater Boston and New England individual titles. On the international stage, she represented Great Britain in the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games. At the Montreal Games in '76, she advanced to the semi-finals in the 100 meter hurdles and quarterfinals in the 100 meter dash. Sharon also won gold and bronze medals in the 1978 Commonwealth Games and competed at the European Championships the same year.  She was elected into the Boston University Hall of Fame in 1988.
 
First diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1993, Colyear-Danville has fought bravely against the disease for the past 25 years and continues that battle by raising ovarian cancer awareness and helping with fundraising events to find a cure. Acting as the Golf Tournament director, Colyear-Danville raised in excess of $86,000 for Women's Cancer Care. Simultaneously, over $500,000 was raised in her name and donated to The American Cancer Society.
 
Sharon has been married for 37 years to fellow BU Hall of Famer Bob Danville ('82) and is the mother of two sons, Reid and Neil Danville. She coached both their high school track teams producing a state champion and her own son went on to become a Division I All American. As for her own recreation she turned to golf and became Club Champion five times. During her career Colyear-Danville has been active in real estate, opened and sold a health club and currently, she can be found developing land and building spec homes in Atlanta.
 
"Ovarian Cancer is extremely difficult to diagnose," Colyear-Danville recently said. "However, it is hereditary therefore all females should become aware of their family history. Symptoms include, acne, bloating, and abdominal pain. Women should know these symptoms and get themselves tested if they are experiencing any of them. Ovarian Cancer is called the "silent killer" because it is so difficult to diagnose. Therefore, know your body and be belligerent with your doctor if you suspect there is something not quite right. Least of all every female should have a base-line CA125 at an early age to ensure early detection."

A permanent banner commemorating the event will be unveiled at the TTC during a brief ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 1 before the start of the BU Season Opener. Start time for the unveiling ceremony will be approximately 10:30 a.m. 

"On behalf of the entire BU Athletics' community we offer our gratitude and congratulations to Sharon Colyear-Danville," said Boston University director of athletics Drew Marrochello. "Sharon is a true inspiration both on and off the track and it is our pleasure to announce this well-deserved recognition."
 
 For more information on ovarian cancer and to donate to the Ovarian Cancer Institute click HERE: