We are sad to report the passing of Louisiana track & field legend Coach Jerry Dyes, who passed away peacefully last night.
Dyes was an all-state track and field athlete at Fair Park High School in the late 1950s. From there, he went on to Abilene Christian College where he was a three-time All-American in the javelin in 1961, 1962, and 1964.
His track and field journey would take him into coaching...and back to North La. where he was an assistant coach at Northwestern State University under Glenn Gossett. As an assistant at NSU, he recruited and signed hall of fame cross country coach Frank Trammel.
"Many wondered why I went to Northwestern," Trammel said. "Well, time told why. What his legacy would become-smart and kind but no nonsense. His passion became many of our passions. So much to say and thankful heart for what he meant to me and his other athletes. I'm heart broken."
Dyes would later be named HC at NSU where he was known for leading the Demons to 1980 NCAA Championship in the 4x100 at Bernie Moore Stadium.
In the summer of 1982, Dyes moved from Natchitoches to Ruston where he was the head coach at Louisiana Tech University. He coached national champions there, as well. The list includes Bossier's John Campbell (shot put).
Long-time Louisiana Tech head coach Gary Stanley was an assistant coach for Dyes for six years before taking over the program for 34 years.
"The six years I was privileged to work for him were the best six years of my life," Stanley said. "He was a father figure to me even though I don't think he realized it. Track and field lost a great competitor and a great coach. The world lost a great man."
How passionate was Dyes about track and field? He began competing in the javelin in masters competitions in 1985. He competed internationally and was undefeated for 15 years.
During that span, Dyes defeated Olympic champions such as Janis Luis (in the World Senior Championships).
Not bad for a boy who began his career behind the family barn.
Dyes not only mentored his own assistant coaches, he also mentored high school coaches..like former Ruston head coach Dave Anderson.
"If you were privileged to have in conversation with Coach Dyes and he called you "Ace", you are among the multitudes of track and field students of the sport that were being instructed by the professor of all professors." Anderson said.
Jerry Dyes was 82 years-old.