MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State Athletics is celebrating Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman's 25th year with the Mavericks by highlighting 25 outstanding student-athletes who have helped shape the department's history. The next honoree in the series is former men's track and field All-American Myles Hunter.

The 25 for 25 series recognizes 25 of the most accomplished and memorable Maverick student-athletes from the past quarter century, beginning with Buisman's arrival at Minnesota State in 2002. Over the next three months, the 25 honorees will be announced in no particular order, with 10 unveiled through October, 10 more throughout November and the final five in December prior to the Christmas holiday.

"Myles seemed destined for greatness from the moment he stepped on the track," Buisman said. "Minnesota State has a tremendous history of outstanding sprinters and hurdlers, but Myles established himself among the very best in our program's history. He broke longstanding records that had stood the test of time, marks that had seemed almost untouchable and have only recently been challenged."

A native of Conyers, Ga., Hunter was an eight-time NSIC champion during his career with the Minnesota State men's track and field program. He captured two NSIC titles in the indoor 60-meter hurdles, four conference championships in the outdoor 110-meter hurdles and two more as a member of the outdoor 4x100-meter relay team.

"Minnesota State was a true blessing to me and an honor for me coming from the small town of Conyers, Ga.," Hunter said. "The Maverick Athletic Program and the great coaches of the track and field/cross country team accepted me and provided me with the opportunity to be surrounded by people and experiences that allowed me to display my true potential and talent. Those opportunities led to several memorable accomplishments throughout my life."

Hunter went on to earn seven All-America honors and claim three NCAA national championships. In 2016, he won the 60-meter hurdles at the NCAA Indoor Championships with a time of 7.53 before capturing the 110-meter hurdles title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 13.76. He added a second NCAA outdoor championship in the 110-meter hurdles in 2019, crossing the finish line in 13.54.

"What I appreciated about Myles was that he understood what it took to be great in an event where there is virtually no margin for error and improvement is measured in hundredths of a second," Buisman said. "He had the patience, commitment and fortitude to put in the work and trust the process, knowing that the right opportunity would eventually come. When that opportunity arrived, he was ready. The bigger the stage, the greater the performance. Myles had a special ability to rise to the occasion, and that is one of the things that separates great athletes from truly memorable ones."

Hunter still owns the Minnesota State record in the indoor 60-meter hurdles with his time of 7.53, set at the 2016 NCAA Indoor Championships. He was later named Minnesota State's Male Athlete of the Year for the 2016-17 season.

"The Maverick Athletic Family gave me the opportunity to continue the great success of the program," Hunter said. "It also allowed me to create my own legacy for myself, my family and the track and field/cross country program as a whole while properly representing what it means to be a student-athlete. That success is a reflection of Kevin Buisman's leadership, dedication and hard work, which continue to position Maverick Athletics for success.

"Mankato will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my development as an adult. Through the great coaches, teammates and staff members I encountered, I learned what true success looks like and how to carry it with humility and respect. I will forever be thankful and grateful for the opportunity the Maverick Athletic Program provided."