Oklahoma State University Athletics
Celebrating OSU Trailblazers: Orlando Hazley
February 17, 2022 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to honor the legacy of those that paved the way in Oklahoma State Athletics. Orlando Hazley did just that during his time as a Cowboy.
Orlando Hazley is a large part of the history of Oklahoma State Athletics as he would be the first black student athlete at Oklahoma State to earn a varsity letter in any sport in 1957.
Hazley arrived on Oklahoma State's campus in 1956, after spending several years in the army and fresh off winning the 1955 Worldwide Air Force 100-yard dash. Hazley first got the opportunity to compete at the varsity level as a sophomore in 1957.
"I really didn't get any formal training until I got to Oklahoma State," Hazley said in an interview with O-STATE Stories oral history collection. "Working with J.W. Mashburn and Eddie Ray Roberts, who worked with me a great deal on the starts. And of course (Former OSU coach Ralph Higgins) Higgins, he taught me how to relax and it really made a difference in what I did."
Hazley broke out during the 1959 season, winning the Big 8 individual championship in the 220 yard dash and leading the Cowboys to team victories in the 440 yard and Mile relays. Overall, the Cowboys would go on to finish second in the conference thanks in large part to Hazley's contributions.
Hazley lettered three times at Oklahoma State and was inducted into OSU's Track Hall of Honor, while also being named to Outstanding African American Men in Sports in 2001.
Orlando Hazley graduated from Oklahoma State in 1960 and went on to become an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School and in 1977 became a principal at Tulsa McClain High School.
Hazley will be remembered for not only his athletic accomplishments but also for paving the way for the black athletes who have and will compete for Oklahoma State University.
