Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Celebration of Life for Hayes Saturday
6/3/2022 10:05:00 AM | General, Men's Cross Country and Track & Field
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee State University Athletic Department will celebrate the life of legendary track and field coach Dean A. Hayes during a ceremony at the Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
The Celebration of Life for Coach Hayes will include speakers representing his former athletes, coaches, dignitaries, and family members. A reception will follow the Celebration of Life to allow those in attendance to continue sharing stories and reminisce with others whose lives Hayes touched.
"Words can't express what Dean Hayes has meant to MTSU, the MTSU track and field program, international track and field, and the thousands of people whose lives he has impacted through his work," Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said. "Coach Hayes was a pioneer and an institution at MTSU. We look forward to celebrating his life and honoring his legacy."
Hayes, 84, passed away Jan. 7, 2022. Throughout the history of Middle Tennessee track and field, there were two constants – veteran coach Hayes and a legacy of championship performances. His teams won 59 conference championships, and 52 of his student-athletes earned a total of 125 All-America honors. Hayes' athletes won six national championships.
Many have asked about attire for the Celebration of Life. The main thing is that you dress comfortably. This is an outdoor event in June, so we want to make sure guests are comfortable throughout the celebration and reception.
During the reception there will be opportunities to audio record memories of Coach Hayes and/or provide written remarks in the guestbook so we hope you will take advantage of those.
Also, following the Celebration of Life there will also be the opportunity to take a lap around the track in Coach Hayes' memory.
Hayes' experience was not just limited to the collegiate level. He also coached numerous international teams whether sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee, USA Track & Field, or an international federation.
For those unable to attend, the celebration of life will be viewed via live stream on the Middle Tennessee Athletics YouTube account (GoBlueRaidersTV). Additional information can be found at the Facebook Event – Dean A. Hayes Celebration of Life. Memories, reflections and well wishes can be sent to the family at coachdeanhayes@gmail.com
The Celebration of Life for Coach Hayes will include speakers representing his former athletes, coaches, dignitaries, and family members. A reception will follow the Celebration of Life to allow those in attendance to continue sharing stories and reminisce with others whose lives Hayes touched.
"Words can't express what Dean Hayes has meant to MTSU, the MTSU track and field program, international track and field, and the thousands of people whose lives he has impacted through his work," Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said. "Coach Hayes was a pioneer and an institution at MTSU. We look forward to celebrating his life and honoring his legacy."
Hayes, 84, passed away Jan. 7, 2022. Throughout the history of Middle Tennessee track and field, there were two constants – veteran coach Hayes and a legacy of championship performances. His teams won 59 conference championships, and 52 of his student-athletes earned a total of 125 All-America honors. Hayes' athletes won six national championships.
Many have asked about attire for the Celebration of Life. The main thing is that you dress comfortably. This is an outdoor event in June, so we want to make sure guests are comfortable throughout the celebration and reception.
During the reception there will be opportunities to audio record memories of Coach Hayes and/or provide written remarks in the guestbook so we hope you will take advantage of those.
Also, following the Celebration of Life there will also be the opportunity to take a lap around the track in Coach Hayes' memory.
Hayes' experience was not just limited to the collegiate level. He also coached numerous international teams whether sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee, USA Track & Field, or an international federation.
For those unable to attend, the celebration of life will be viewed via live stream on the Middle Tennessee Athletics YouTube account (GoBlueRaidersTV). Additional information can be found at the Facebook Event – Dean A. Hayes Celebration of Life. Memories, reflections and well wishes can be sent to the family at coachdeanhayes@gmail.com
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