Deacon Jones

Deacon Jones was a three-time AAU steeplechase champion (1957-58 and 1961). He also won the NCAA 2-miles in 1957 and in 1955 became the first African-American to win the NCAA cross-country event. He was a seven-time Big 10 Champion. At the Pan American Games, Jones was silver medalist in the 1959 steeplechase. In high school, he starred in football and as a point guard in basketball, leading Boys Town to the Nebraska Class A state basketball championship, and also won the mile at the State Championships.

After serving in the US Army Jones served as director of financial aid for the City Colleges of Chicago. He was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Iowa Varsity Club Hall of Fame.

Personal Bests: Mile – 4:06.5i (1961); Steeplechase – 8:42.4 (1961); 2 miles – 8:57.6 (1957).