Weber State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1991
- Class:
- 1967
Henry Owens – also known as “Hurryin’ Hank,” “The Cat,” “The Hipper,” and “Henry O” -- will go down as one of the elite early Weber State football stars, and holds several school and league records that last until this day.
Owens, a native of Ogden, Utah, finished his career in the late 1960s as the fourth all-time leading rusher in Weber history with 1,739 yards. He held the WSU career record for average yards per punt return with 13.8 yards per return, and in a single game with a 34.0 yards per return mark against Montana in 1965.
Owens was the sixth all-time leading scorer in Weber State history with 184 points, finished third on the all-time Weber all-purpose running charts with 3,559 yards, and earned All-Big Sky Conference first-team honors in 1965.
More importantly, Owens led the Wildcats to a 28-8 record over three seasons during his Weber State football career.
The former prep All-American, at just 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, was popular for his elusive running style. He ran a 9.7 100-yard dash, and it transferred to the football field well.
In 1965, Owens tallied 102 points on 17 touchdowns, the third-best scoring output in the nation. He led the team in scoring, rushing, pass receiving, kickoff returns and punt returns.
Owens passed away in July 2023 at the age of 77.
