Gus T. Christensen '48 +

The athletic abilities of Gus T. Christensen Jr. were evident the moment he stepped foot on the St. Thomas Catholic High School campus in 1945. Proficient in football and track at St. Mary’s Elementary School, Gus participated in these same sports as a freshman at St. Thomas, running hurdles and dashes in track and playing as a back in football.

In 1946, St. Thomas awarded its first letters in track and Gus was one of ten team members to earn one. He expanded his athletic horizons in his sophomore year by joining the baseball team. In 1947, Gus played outfield for the American Legion Post 313 St. Thomas baseball team which captured the district and city titles and had the distinction of meeting Babe Ruth.

In his junior year, he added basketball to his resume. By the time he was a senior, Gus was involved in all four sports. Playing both quarterback and fullback for the St. Thomas football team, he was the number one Eagle ball carrier and also handled the St. Thomas passing and signal calling. The Houston Post chose Gus for the 1947 All City Football Team. He had the second highest individual scoring record in the city. It was his passing and running abilities that earned him a place on the All City Team. The newspaper described him as one of the fastest and most elusive fullbacks in the city, earning him the nickname “Galloping Gus.”

Gus was involved in other aspects of St. Thomas High School. He held the position of Sodality Representative in 1945 and was on the Student Council during his junior and senior years. He was a member of the St. Thomas Club for two years beginning in 1945. His scholastic achievements earned him recognition on the Honor Roll for all four years. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1948 and his senior year book reads, “Gus has been gifted with a marvelous personality, pure and unmarred by athletic fame and scholarship.”

Gus continued his football career at Rice University where he played on the 1948 Owl freshman football team. The following year he was involved in a car accident which resulted in permanent injury to his left hand. He continued his college education at Rice, eventually transferring to the University of Houston where he participated in intramural sports. Gus’ athletic talents and love of sports are perpetuated in the many boys and girls he coached throughout his life.