MTSU's Coach John Stanford, age 77, of Murfreesboro, died Monday morning at home. In addition to the legacy he left with Blue Raider sports, his love for Cajun food and his secret gumbo recipe served at the university's catfish dinners each fall left another positive impression on many.

One friend said it was hard to tell whether he loved Middle Tennessee or Cajun food more. On February 18, 2013, John and another well-known local Cajun, Grand Ole Opry's Jimmy C. Newman, shared tales on WGNS' Truman Jones Show. There's no better way to remember John than to enjoy his positive attitude. Listen:

John's History With MTSU

John Stanford came to Middle Tennessee in the 1950s after serving with the Air Force where he had gained acclaim as a softball and baseball pitcher. He made his mark on Blue Raider baseball by becoming an All-OVC selection.

After graduation, he went pro, pitching two seasons for the Washington Senators before serving as baseball coach for Shelbyville Central and Motlow Community College in Middle Tennessee. In 1974, he returned to his alma mater to cultivate one of the most respected diamond programs in college baseball. His Blue Raider record of 402-272-4, is second only to his hand-picked successor, Steve Peterson. His teams won OVC titles four times and the league's Southern Division crown five times. Blue Raider squads under Stanford made repeated trips to the NCAA Tournament and he took multiple coach-of-the-year honors.

As athletic director, he worked with donors to improve baseball facilities and scholarships, upgraded the golf program and advocated the formation of the women's softball program and field.

Arrangements are incomplete, and will be announced from Woodfin Funeral Home.

The afternoon the news broke, Chip Walters weighed in on WGNS' All Sports Talk with his memories of Stanford and the irony of his passing on the same day that MTSU enters Conference USA.  Listen to the full segment below: