Rex Cawley

At the 1959 AAU, “Rex” Cawley made track history by becoming the only athlete ever to place in the first six in all three hurdles events. The 18-year-old schoolboy finished fifth in the 110y, third in the 220y, and sixth in the 440y hurdles. In the fall of 1959, Cawley entered Southern Cal. After failing to make the 1960 Olympic team, he had excellent seasons in 1961 and 1962 despite injury problems in those years. In 1963 he enjoyed a full season and won the AAU and NCAA 440y hurdles, also placing second in the open quarter at the NCAA with a career best of 46.0. In 1964, Cawley set a world record of 49.1 for the intermediate hurdles and went on to win the Olympic title. His last major championship came when he won the AAU in 1965

Cawley later worked in the medical/electronics industry and then became a travel agent. His athletic career led to his induction into The National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2006, the University of Southern California Hall of Fame in 2009, The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, and The National High School Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2019.

Personal Bests: 440y – 46.0 (1963); 110H – 13.9 (1959); 400H – 49.1 (1964).