In 1957, track standout Orlando Hazley became the first African American to letter in any sport at OSU.

Hazley was the 1959 Big 8 champion in the 220-yard run and the mile. The biology major carried 18 hours a semester while lettering in track for four years.

He graduated with a degree in science and physical education in 1960, earned a master’s degree from Central State College of Oklahoma (now the University of Central Oklahoma) and began a career in teaching and educational administration that included serving as assistant principal at his former alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa.