Hall of Fame
When Larry Jones arrived on the university campus in the early 1970's, he quickly established the fact he would leave an imprint on Bulldog track and football, but in particular, the sport of track. During his track career, the quartermiler earned All-American recognition, won the NCAA Division I outdoor title once, the NCAA Division I indoor title twice, the NCAA Division II outdoor title three times and the MIAA Conference indoor and outdoor titles three times. Mr. Jones set a school record in the 440-yard dash, as well as conference indoor and outdoor records in the event. He was the first collegiate quartermiler to win his specialty at the Texas, Kansas and Drake Relays the same years in record-setting time, an accomplishment he achieved in 1974. He participated in the 1972 Olympic trials and advanced to the semi-finals in his specialty. At the time he was finishing his collegiate track career, he had recorded the fastest time in the world, 45.2, for that particular time in the spring of 1974. Mr. Jones also played on three Bulldog football teams, helping the 1971 team win the MIAA Conference. However, in the 1972 opener against Missouri Western he suffered a knee injury that could have ended his athletic career. Through perseverance he recovered fully and competed in the 1973 track season. In 1974, his final football campaign, Mr. Jones captured All-Conference accolades and ranked among the NCAA Division II national return leaders. He caught the eye of professional football scouts and was picked in the 15th round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the New York Giants but they cut him. He was signed immediately by the Washington Redskins. Mr. Jones ranked second in NFL kickoff returns in 1974, and he returned one kickoff 102 yards for a new league record. He played for the Redskins through the 1977 season and was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Mr. Jones retired from professional football in the fall of 1978 after a head injury sidelined him. In recent years, he has been employed by the Mozzarella Cheese Company in Lamoore, Calif.
