The world has lost a true champion both on and off the track. Fredrick Vaughn Newhouse, an Olympic gold and silver medalist, trailblazing leader, and proud alumnus of Prairie View A&M University, passed away on January 20th, 2025, at the age of 76. Over the course of his extraordinary career, he won a gold medal in the 4×400 relay and a silver medal in the 400m at the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal, Canada. Known for his excellence, dedication, and impact, he will be remembered as a symbol of perseverance and success.
Born in Honey Grove, Texas (90 miles north- east of Dallas), to the late Lucious and Cleopatra Newhouse. He graduated salutatorian from Galilee High School in Hallsville, TX in 1966. Newhouse chose to attend Prairie View majoring in electrical engineering, a decision heavily influenced by his high school counselor and his older brother Lus- cious. In a 2020 interview with his alma mater, he said “My brother Lucious was at Prairie View when I graduated from high school. He naturally talked a lot about the good experience he was having. He told me the girls were pretty, and that sealed the deal for me! My high school counselor also pressed me to consider Prairie View. It was during that transition period of integration.”
After his first semester at Prairie View, Newhouse decided to play sports and went out for the baseball team, who at the time did not have the best record. Newhouse’s path to track was unexpected. He found himself running on the track a er the baseball coach, aiming to improve the team, had players run track to lighten the roster a er the baseball team struggled. Though he was not initially interested in track, both the baseball and track coach saw his potential, and the track coach promised a scholarship. A er proving himself on the track, Newhouse’s tuition was covered, and his performance continued to improve. Newhouse left Prairie View with several indoor and outdoor track and field championship medals, and a world record that he set in the indoor 440 yards that still stands today. However, almost 2 years prior, he struggled at the district championship, but with faith and dedication, he went on to win and set a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) record. Which ultimately led him to be invited to the Olympic trials.
In his interview with Prairie View, Newhouse said “I was just running to stay in school and get my tuition paid, never in my wildest dream did I think I would have any potential to be an Olympian.” He graduated from Prairie View in 1970 with a degree in electrical engineering but did not make an Olympic team until 1976. A er graduating he was dra ed to the U.S. Army, originally headed to Vietnam he ended up at West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York. For 2 years he trained with the army’s track team and competed in events all around the world.
Although track became a major part of his story, Newhouse never lost sight of his academic aspirations. He remained committed to his engineering career and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Washington in Seattle, showing his dedication to both athletics and academics. Newhouse committed 42 to years to the Oil and Gas Industry, retiring as the Public Relations Executive at Valero. Outside of his athletic achievements Newhouse was deeply committed to his community. He served on numerous boards and committees, giving back in meaningful ways. He was inducted into the Prairie View Sports Hall of Fame, once in 1992 and again in 1999. He was also inducted in the Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014. USA Track & Field awarded him the Heliodoro and Patricia Rico Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. In 2019, during Prairie View’s fall commencement Newhouse was awarded the University’s highest alumni honor, the Distinguished Alumnus Medal by 8th President Ruth Simmons.
Fredrick Vaughn Newhouse leaves behind a remarkable legacy, one built on perseverance, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his community. As an Olympian, leader, and mentor, his impact will continue to inspire future generations. Fred is survived by his wife and best friend of 53 years, Rhonda Newhouse; his daughters, Vonda Nunley and Benecia Carswell; sons-in law Pele Nunley and Corey Carswell; and grandchildren Andre and Bryce Nunley, Norman, Madalyn, and Blaize Carswell. He is also survived by his brothers, Lucious Newhouse (Hattie), Gene Locke (Aubrey), William Robertson (Cheryl), nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family members who loved and admired him deeply. In honor of his life and contributions, his family has requested that, in lieu of owers, donations be made to the Rhonda and Fredrick Newhouse Endowed Scholarship to support Prairie View students pursuing their dreams. Funeral services will be held on February 1st, 2025, at 9 AM at Fallbrook Church.
