Emporia State University Athletics

A powerful runner and blocker in football and a gifted sprint man in track, Chet Hayden was the epitome of the hard-nosed running backs of his era.  He used his skills to earn all-conference accolades in 1949 and ’50 while leading the Hornets to conference titles in 1947, ’48, and ’50.  Emporia State University captured the conference crown in 1947, Hayden’s freshman campaign, after finishing in the league’s cellar just one year earlier.  Hayden possessed excellent blocking skills if lined up at fullback and was a talented ball carrier when playing tailback.  In fact, Hayden rushed for 811 yards and averaged 7.6 yards per carry in his senior season in 1950.  In 1949, the NCAA’s official football guide ranked Hayden 11th in rushing among the nation’s small colleges.  Hayden earned accolades in track, posting numerous wins on relay teams and in the sprint events.  He earned four letters on the gridiron and two more as a member of the track and field squads.