Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
Dean Hayes
- Induction:
- 1982
Dean Hayes' arrival at MT in 1965 heralded the emergence of a new class of Track and Field competition. Focusing on jumping events and relays and recruiting topnotch competitors, his tenure with the program is marked by multiple SBC and OVC titles as well as Coach of the Year honors from the NCAA, OVC and SBC.
A native of Naperville, Ill., Hayes is credited with opening MT Track and Field to minorities and recruiting MT's first international competitors. Many went on to set national records in collegiate competition and to compete at the Olympics and on other international stages. Hayes has been a frequent official and coach at international athletic events.
Hayes inaugurated the Last Chance Meet in 1975. They drew competitors from around the country who needed to better indoor times and distances to qualify for NCAA competition. The current qualifying system for championships was derived from those meets.
A native of Naperville, Ill., Hayes is credited with opening MT Track and Field to minorities and recruiting MT's first international competitors. Many went on to set national records in collegiate competition and to compete at the Olympics and on other international stages. Hayes has been a frequent official and coach at international athletic events.
Hayes inaugurated the Last Chance Meet in 1975. They drew competitors from around the country who needed to better indoor times and distances to qualify for NCAA competition. The current qualifying system for championships was derived from those meets.
Rick Insell LIVE: Presented by The Boulevard Bar & Grille (Video) - 1.12.26
Monday, January 12
Blue Raider Notebook Presented by TOA - January 12th
Monday, January 12
Blue Raider Breakdown Postgame Show - January 10th - Women's Basketball
Saturday, January 10
MTSU Women's Basketball vs. New Mexico State Postgame Press Conference on 1/10/26
Saturday, January 10
