Toto Houts was the 5’7”, 153 pound Lynx guard and captain of the legendary 1936 football squad that sank undefeated Vanderbilt, one of the nation’s premier teams at the time. In the words of one sports commentator: “Never had there been a Southwestern victory like it. Perhaps there will never be another one to top it.”
As much as Toto thrived on football, he soon found his victories on the playing field eclipsed the day he won the hand of Margaret Mason Jones, Class of 1940. As a World War II draft board clerk, Margaret literally put her husband-to-be in the Army and saw him off on May 23, 1941. They were married on November 7, 1942, the day after Toto finished Officer Candidate School. In 1945 Captain James T. Houts (soon to become Lt. Col. Houts) was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement.
Toto’s winning ways were to follow him through life. He was a highly respected businessman and lauded for his service to his church. As an alumnus, he served his alma mater as president of the alumni association, vice-chair of the annual fund and under his leadership the college held its first career nights for students, marching student interests with alumni expertise.
Today’s induction ceremony reunites Toto with three other luminaries of the 1936 Lynx football team who have preceded him into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Harold “Chicken” High ’33, assistant coach; Gaylon Smith ’39 and Henry Hammond ’36, standout players.
In recognition of his spirit, leadership, and outstanding achievements, Rhodes is honored to name JAMES THAYER “TOTO” HOUTS to the Athletic Hall of Fame this 29th day of October, 1999.
