HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point University will honor 1961 alumnus Robert “Mickey” Dean during the opening ceremony of the fifth-annual Vertklasse Meeting on Saturday at Vert Stadium.
Dean becomes the third recipient of the Bob Davidson Award for contributions and service to track and field. HPU has previously honored Bob Davidson and Bill Webb.
“Mickey Dean is an incredible example of someone who not only advanced the sport of the track and field but touched the lives of so many student-athletes in the process,” said HPU head coach Mike Esposito. “While contacting people he coached, I was blown away by the legacy he left. We are honored to have Mickey and his family at Vertklasse this weekend.”
A native of Raleigh, N.C., Dean graduated from then-High Point College in 1961 with a degree in Health and Physical Education. He was a two-time team MVP for the Panthers.
Dean spent 37 years as the athletic director and cross country and track and field coach at Dulaney High School in Timonium, Md. Dean led the Lions to 11 state championships, 22 regional titles, and 45 county titles. Dean also coached at the University of Maryland for five years, leading the Terps’ cross country team to ACC championships in 1972 and 1974.
Dean also coached Olympian Bobby Wheeler. Wheeler was a 1970 graduate of Dulaney High School who held a national record in the indoor 600-meter and later won an NCAA title.
High Point will honor Dean during Saturday’s opening ceremony at 2 p.m. on the infield. The 2013 Vertklasee will play host to nearly 1,000 competitors.