MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee 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, June 4, at 4:30 p.m.

The Dean A. Hayes Celebration of Life is open to the public and will include speakers from different aspects of the hall of fame coach's successful career, including former athletes, colleagues and members of the international track and field community.

"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," 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."

The celebration of life will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend. The celebration can be viewed on the Middle Tennessee Athletics YouTube account (GoBlueRaidersTV).

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. 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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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.

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.