Ira Murchison, Western Michigan (Men's Track & Field)
Ira Murchison competed in track and field at Western Michigan in 1954 and from 1957-58. Murchison is the only Western Michigan University athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, doing so as a member of the 400-meter relay at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where he also finished fourth in 100-meter dash.
Murchison also shared at the time the world record for the 100-yard dash with a time of :09.3 and set or tied world marks for 100 meters and 60 yards. He won the 1958 NCAA 100-yard championship, was second in this event in 1957 and in the 220 in 1958. He also was a three-time MAC 100-yard champion and once for 220 meters.
Murchison coached the Mayor Daley Youth foundation track teams in Chicago during 1960s and 1970s and was women's track coach at Chicago State University. He was inducted into the Mid-American Conference Hall of Fame in 1990.
