Hall of Fame: Henry D. Marsh (1972)

Henry arrived in Hawaii in 1970. In his two years at Punahou, he was cross country State Champion both years and captured four State titles in the 880 yard, mile and two mile events. As a senior, he was a co-captain of the track team. According to coach Al Rowan, Henry was a “team performer, he ran to win rather than set records.” Regardless, Henry still holds the school record in the mile at 4:18:6 and is a member of two Hawaii All Time Bests in the 4×800 and distance medley relays.This article appears as originally published in the Winter 1990 issue of the Punahou Bulletin.

Henry went on to Brigham Young University where he was five-time All American in cross country and track and received the NCAA’s Top Ten Scholar-Athlete Award while graduating cum laude in economics. He then obtained a law degree at the University of Oregon and joined a prominent Salt Lake City law firm.

In 1988, Henry became the second American male runner to make four Olympic teams. He culminated his career with 13 straight years as one of the top ten 3,000 meter steeplechase runners in the world including three years as number one (the only American to do so).

His career also included ten national titles and four American records. Fulfilling a childhood dream, he broke the four minute mile barrier in Berne, Switzerland at the age of 31 and then duplicated the feat at age 34 in a pre-Olympic meet in Seoul, Korea.

An internationally recognized expert on health and fitness, Henry has served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and as a member of the Executive Board of the United States Olympic Committee. An outstanding motivational speaker, he has produced radio and television shows on such topics as Drug Use in Sports and Biomechanical Studies of Elite Athletes.

Henry is featured in the official 1984 Olympic film “16 Days of Glory” which highlights his devotion to his successful athletic and professional pursuits while balancing his responsibilities as a husband and father of four children.

The “O” Men are proud to welcome Henry Marsh into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

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