University of Houston Athletics
Houston Track & Field and Cross Country Mourns the Loss of Pat Clohessy
10/1/2026 9:41:00 AM | Cross Country, Track and Field
The three-time NCAA Champion passed away Monday at 93
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Track & Field and Cross Country program is saddened to share the passing of Cougar legend Pat Clohessy, who passed away Monday.
The Australian native joined the Cougars in 1958 under former head coach Johnny Morriss. Clohessy was a member of the 1960 NCAA Cross Country National Championship team, helping the distance program to its first team title when it scored 54 points to claim the crown in East Lansing, Mich.
Individually, he was a two-time NCAA Outdoor Track & Field individual champion, winning the 3-mile titles in 1961 and 1962. He also earned NCAA Cross Country All-America honors in 1959, 1960 and 1961.
"The University of Houston Track & Field and Cross Country program is deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Clohessy," Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Will Blackburn said. "As a three-time NCAA Champion, coach, teacher and mentor, Pat dedicated his life to our sport and impacted generations of athletes and coaches around the world. On behalf of our entire UH family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar."
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on Houston Track and Field's success by providing NIL opportunities and joining the Podium Club, which provides direct support for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates on #HTownSpeedCity by following @UHCougarTF on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarTF or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougartf.
The Australian native joined the Cougars in 1958 under former head coach Johnny Morriss. Clohessy was a member of the 1960 NCAA Cross Country National Championship team, helping the distance program to its first team title when it scored 54 points to claim the crown in East Lansing, Mich.
Individually, he was a two-time NCAA Outdoor Track & Field individual champion, winning the 3-mile titles in 1961 and 1962. He also earned NCAA Cross Country All-America honors in 1959, 1960 and 1961.
"The University of Houston Track & Field and Cross Country program is deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Clohessy," Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Will Blackburn said. "As a three-time NCAA Champion, coach, teacher and mentor, Pat dedicated his life to our sport and impacted generations of athletes and coaches around the world. On behalf of our entire UH family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar."
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on Houston Track and Field's success by providing NIL opportunities and joining the Podium Club, which provides direct support for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates on #HTownSpeedCity by following @UHCougarTF on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarTF or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougartf.
– UHCougars.com –
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