Twice competed at the NCAA Championships in the 400 meter hurdles.  He also qualified for both the 1976 and 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials in the event.  Hurst ran a personal-best time of 50.7 seconds at the 1979 IC4A Championships and earned All-East honors three times.  He won multiple Metropolitan titles in the 400 meters, 120 yard hurdles and 4x400 meter relay, as well as the 400 hurdles.