DR. JOHN H. OUTLAND
1871 - 1947
Inducted - 1974

Dr. John H. Outland left his mark, not only on Kansas University, but on the entire state of Kansas and college football and track throughout America. He attended KU for just two years, (1895-1896) before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a medical degree. At Penn, Outland was named to the Walter Camp All-American team in 1897 as a tackle and in 1898 as a halfback - the first to be named All-American at two different positions. In 1901 he served as head coach of the KU football team when the Jayhawks posted a 3-5-2 record. Years after going on to become a successful surgeon in the Kansas City area, Outland wanted to do something about the lack of recognition given to interior linemen. In 1946 the Football Writer’s Association of America presented the first Outland Trophy to Notre Dame’s George Connor. Still given each year to the top interior lineman in America, the Outland Trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards given in college sports. While a student at Pennsylvania, the Penn Relays were founded and it was then Outland conceived the idea of a similar event in Kansas. Outland continued to encourage the idea and as a result, he became known as the “Father of the Kansas Relays” which were started in 1923. Today, the KU Relays remain as one of the top track and field events in the country Outland served as City Athletic club in 1931. Born March 17, 1871 - Hesper, Kansas. Died March 24, 1947 - Laguna Beach, California. Graduated MD, University of Pennsylvania, 1900.