Earl Jones

Turchecks for Jones Group Photo.

Athlete

Inducted April 18, 2024

  • Taylor Center High School and Eastern Michigan University runner was a bronze medalist in the 800 meters during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 
  • His 1:43.83 finished behind Joaquim Cruz of Brazil and Sebastian Coe of Great Britain.
  • He had won the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1:43.74, a new American record, edging out Johnny Gray in a photo finish.
  • In 1984, Jones was a member of an indoor sprint medley team that set American and World records.
  • In 1985, he won the NCAA 800-meter Outdoor Championships.
  • In 1986, improved his 800-meter time to 1:43.62 during a meet in Zurich, Switzerland.
  • Joined the sub-4:00-minute mile club with a 3:58.76 in 1986.
  • Inducted into the Eastern Michigan University Hall of Fame in 2002,
  • Was a seven-time NCAA All-American for EMU.
  • Also ran three years of cross country. 
  • Captured three NCAA individual titles and one relay championship.
  • Also captured 10 Mid-American Conference championships, seven as an individual along with three relays.