When legendary coach Dean Hayes was hired to lead the Middle Tennessee track and field program in 1965, he immediately returned to his home city of Chicago. He convinced Jerry Singleton to become a Blue Raider. Jerry was a pioneer in a sense as he became the first black scholarship athlete ever to compete in any sport at Middle Tennessee. His presence was immediately felt as he scored points in all of the middle-distance events. When he left Murfreesboro, he held records in the 800 meters at 1:49.74, and the 400 meters at 47.2, both records which still stand today.
