Kent State Athletics Mourns the Passing of Four-Time Olympian and Varsity âKâ Hall of Famer Jud Logan
1/4/2022 10:58:00âŻAM | Football, General, Men's Track & Field, The Golden Flashes Club
The Kent State University athletic department mourns the passing of former men's track and field and football student-athlete Jud Logan, who passed away on Monday.
Inducted into the Varsity "K" Hall of Fame in 1990, Logan was a four-year letterwinner in track and field (1978-81) and one-year letterwinner in football (1978). He qualified for the NCAA Championships in 1980 after being selected as the Mid-American Conference Outstanding Athlete. Logan captured three individual MAC titles, winning the hammer throw in 1979 and 1980 and the discus throw in in 1980.
Following his career as a Golden Flash, Logan earned a spot on the United States Olympic Team four times â 1984, 1988, 1992 and 2000 â and captained the 1992 team in Barcelona, Spain. He also represented the Red, White and Blue in competitions at the Pan American Games, Goodwill Games and World Championships. Logan was the U.S. recordholder in the hammer throw for several years and currently has the third-longest throw all-time.
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Golden Flash, Jud Logan," Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Bill Lawson said. "Jud had a larger-than-life character that was well respected across the entire track and field community, along with an unmatched passion for the sport that never went unnoticed. Over the past 17 years, I had the pleasure of getting to know Jud, and I always appreciated the comradery and competition he brought to the track, whether it be during a meet, or just practice. He experienced a great deal of success as an athlete and as a coach but was always sure to lift others along with him. Jud was a loyal Kent State Track and Field alumnus. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those he impacted through the sport over the years. Jud will be missed by all and remembered by many."
Logan was in his 17th season as the head coach at Ashland University and had led the men's team to three consecutive NCAA Division II national championships â 2019 indoors and outdoors, and 2021 indoors. A five-time USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year, his teams earned 42 top-10 national finishes, and his student-athletes won 59 individual national titles. Logan was a 2002 inductee in the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame and a 2015 inductee into the National Throws Coaches Association (NTCA) Thrower's Hall of Fame.
"Jud will be remembered for far more than just coaching, trophies, and All-Americans; he was my friend, a mentor, and an inspiration to many," said track and field associate head coach Nathan Fanger. "He was always there for me as a young coach when I needed direction or advice. I will miss his energy, his passion, and the way that he could command a room wherever he went. He will forever have a place in my heart, and he will forever be part of the Kent State Track and Field family."
In addition to returning to the Kent State Field House for track and field meets each season, Logan also remained connected with the Flashes' football program and was invited to speak to the team during preseason camp in August.
"Jud was a true fighter and unbelievable spirit," said football head coach Sean Lewis. "He visited with our team this past summer and lit a fire in all of us. He truly was a 'light giver' and his impact will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Logan family. "
The Logan family plans to have a private service at this time. They will make an announcement about a celebration for Jud's remarkable life at a later date.
