EUGENE, Ore. — Gulf South Conference and Mississippi College legend Larry Myricks was inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's (USTFCCCA) Collegiate Hall of Fame. Myricks was one of 14 honorees enshined as part of the Class of 2024. The ceremony was held June 2, 2024, at the Hult Center for Performing Arts in Eugene, Oregon.

USTFCCCA HALL OF FAME

Myricks, who is a Class of 2020 GSC Hall of Fame inductee, journey to greatness began during his college years at Mississippi College, where he earned a plethora of accolades, including All Gulf South Conference honors and multiple All-American selections. He dominated the NCAA Division II championships, securing titles in the long jump and the 200 meters, while also setting records that stood for years.

He made a significant impact as a sophomore at Mississippi College, by winning the NCAA Outdoor long jump title and earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. His Olympic hopes were dashed by a broken ankle during the warm-up in Montreal. Despite this setback, Myricks made a strong comeback after an 18-month recovery period. 

He broadened his skills to include the 200 meters in 1978 and dominated his final collegiate year in 1979. He won both the AAU and NCAA DI indoor titles, and then repeated these victories outdoors, along with securing a 200/long jump double at the Division II level which were among his five career DII titles.

Myricks’s eventual return to Montreal for the World Cup was triumphant, where he jumped 8.52m (27-11.5"), marking one of the longest jumps in world history at that time. Myricks’s journey showcases resilience and a return to peak form following a major injury.

The Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame was established in 2022 to honor the best of the best in collegiate track & field and cross country. The hall of fame recognizes the achievements of athletes who have left a lasting mark on the sport during their time in college.