Throughout the recent history of Middle Tennessee track & field, there have been two constants – veteran coach Dean Hayes and a legacy of championship performances. A renowned track & field coach both in college and professional circles, Hayes has gained great respect since coming to Middle Tennessee 56 years ago.

Overall, Hayes has guided the programs to 29 OVC titles, 18 Sun Belt championships, and 20 NCAA Top 25 finishes. 52 of his student-athletes have earned a total of 124 All-America honors, four have become national champions and a number of them have gone on to compete internationally in the Olympic Games, World University Games and Pan-American Games.