Jerry McDaniel Bio

The first athlete at Florida State to receive a full scholarship in track and field, Jerry McDaniel was one of the finest sprinters in school history.

McDaniel was undefeated in the 220 yard dash in his three-year Seminole career from 1963-65 and was not beaten in any event on the track during his junior and senior seasons. By the time his Florida State career ended, McDaniel owned school records in the 220, 440 and the 4 X 100 relay.

In 1964, McDaniel was a pivotal performer in two of the greatest days in FSU track and field history. He won four events as the Seminoles defeated Florida for the first time in school history in Gainesville, 74-71. The next day, McDaniel again placed four times as FSU defeated SEC power Tennessee in Knoxville, 75-70.

McDaniel won 15 gold medals in state and national meets as a junior and senior. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State in 1965, and went on to a very successful career in private enterprise.