Sad News - Coach Dean Hayes
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Legendary MTSU track and field coach Dean Hayes, in 57th year with Raiders, dies at 84
Legendary MTSU track and field coach Dean Hayes, who was in his 57th season with the Blue Raider programs, died Friday.
www.dnj.com
Legendary track coach, Dean Hayes, passes away at 84 - Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
PHOTOS THROUGH THE YEARS
goblueraiders.com
Beloved MTSU track and field coach Dean Hayes 'one of the great gentlemen of college athletics'
Reactions were abundant following the death of MTSU track and field coach Dean Hayes Friday, especially on social media.
www.dnj.com
This is heartbreaking. This man touched so many lives during his years on this earth. He was the kind of person that was a quiet leader. He didn’t get in your face or yell, but the look of disappointment on his face would make you give your all the next time around. He was so fair and consistent and he will be missed by many.
I want people to know too that Coach Hayes was true blue. I know for a fact that he had constant offers to HC numerous big schools all over the country. His wife and kids definitely influenced him staying, but this man could have tripled his salary and given a car by one SEC school. Impressive
I want people to know too that Coach Hayes was true blue. I know for a fact that he had constant offers to HC numerous big schools all over the country. His wife and kids definitely influenced him staying, but this man could have tripled his salary and given a car by one SEC school. Impressive
Yeah, I don't get it. Most people who move here seem to stay. And people have been arriving in greater numbers.
What`s so magical about the mid-state?
Coach Hayes came to MT around the time I became a follower of MT athletics as a student. I spent many hours watching dual, triangular, quadrangular, and conference championship meets in Floyd. I always sat on the extreme north end of the west stands directly across from the end of the jump pit and where I could see the high-jump area off to the side which would now be between Floyd and Murphy Ctr.
I specifically remember a triangular meet against Notre Dame and a Big10 team (which one I forget). MT won the event along with many others I attended and, at least in track circles, Dean Hayes made MT that "National Brand" which Kermit Davis articulated.
I still love the 4 x 100 relay which was the concluding event each meet. So much could happen in less than a minute - so exciting especially if the final event would determine the meet winner.
Coach Hayes is, no doubt, the reason I still consider T & F my favorite spring sport in college athletics.
I only met Coach Hayes one time. I visited his office when in grad school in order to get some advice on helping a youngster who obviously had some potential in his event but had only a volunteer coach in his middle school. Coach Hayes was generous with his time, gave me some handouts on the kid's event, and recommended a couple of books. Although the kid gave up track in high school I never forgot that Coach Hayes gave me, of all people, time and advice. A true promoter of and lover of his sport.
IMHO the true pillars of MT athletics are Bubber Murphy, Jimmy Earle, and Dean Hayes. (you fans of BB are free to add Coach Pete). All of them had opportunities to move on to "bigger" and more financially rewarding jobs yet they all stayed loyal to MT.
RIP Coach Hayes - you will be missed
I specifically remember a triangular meet against Notre Dame and a Big10 team (which one I forget). MT won the event along with many others I attended and, at least in track circles, Dean Hayes made MT that "National Brand" which Kermit Davis articulated.
I still love the 4 x 100 relay which was the concluding event each meet. So much could happen in less than a minute - so exciting especially if the final event would determine the meet winner.
Coach Hayes is, no doubt, the reason I still consider T & F my favorite spring sport in college athletics.
I only met Coach Hayes one time. I visited his office when in grad school in order to get some advice on helping a youngster who obviously had some potential in his event but had only a volunteer coach in his middle school. Coach Hayes was generous with his time, gave me some handouts on the kid's event, and recommended a couple of books. Although the kid gave up track in high school I never forgot that Coach Hayes gave me, of all people, time and advice. A true promoter of and lover of his sport.
IMHO the true pillars of MT athletics are Bubber Murphy, Jimmy Earle, and Dean Hayes. (you fans of BB are free to add Coach Pete). All of them had opportunities to move on to "bigger" and more financially rewarding jobs yet they all stayed loyal to MT.
RIP Coach Hayes - you will be missed
I had the great honor of serving as Coach’s media/SID guy for three of those years. It truly was a privilege to have had the chance to know him. As good of a man as he was a coach. And as noted he was one hell of a coach. You will be missed Coach.
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