Born in Laurel on May 9, 1939, Ralph Boston became a star athlete at Oak Park High School. While attending Tennessee State from 1957 to 1962, he set records in the high jump, sprints, high hurdles, and long jump. He earned a spot on three successive U.S. Olympic track and field teams and won a gold medal in 1960, a silver in 1964, and a bronze in 1968, all in the long jump. He was inducted into the National Track and Field, the U.S. Olympic, and the Mississippi Sports Halls of Fame.