Sooners Mourn Former Champion

NORMAN – The Sooner track and field family is mourning the loss of former sprinter Wayne Long, who passed away recently after a short battle with cancer. Long, who lettered at OU from 1967-69, was an All-American in 1968 in the 60-yard dash. He also won a Big Eight title in the 60 in 1969.

Long and his twin bother, Glenn, came to OU from Oklahoma City's Douglass High School. Another Long, nephew Tod, competed for the Sooner track and field team and was a three-time All-American in 1991-1993, also as a sprinter.

Wayne Long was known as an outstanding relay runner, sprinter and hurdler during the indoor season. In 1968, he helped OU's 440-yard relay win the Kansas Relays, Drake Relays and the Big Eight Championship.

In 1967, Wayne and Glenn Long were ranked eighth in the world and fourth in the United States by World Sports in a ranking of most famous twins to compete in track and field. In 1969 at the Big Eight Indoor Championships, Long tied the world record with a 6.5 in the 60-yard low hurdles. On that same day, he tied the Big Eight record in the 60-yard dash with a 6.0.

Wayne Long worked at Lee Way in Oklahoma City for several years after he finished his OU career. He then moved to the Dallas area where he took great joy in being a grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marsha of the home; two sisters, his twin brother, Glenn, and a younger brother; his four children, Michael Long, Adrianne Hopgood, Angela Long, all from the Dallas area, and Alisa Long, of Oklahoma City; and five grandchildren.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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