Howard Payne University Athletics

Eugene Carter of Littlefield was a record-setting track letterman from 1948-51 under legendary Coach J.H. “Cap” Shelton. In 1948, he set the Texas Conference record in the 220-yard dash. In 1949, Carter was the high-point scorer in the Texas Conference meet and Outstanding College Track Man at the Southwestern Relays. In 1950, he set the Border Olympics record in 220-yard-dash and was the meet’s high scorer. He won the 220-yard dash at the Border Olympics for three consecutive years in 1948, 1949 and 1950. After graduation in 1951, Carter became a coach before going into the insurance business in the Panhandle. He was a councilman and mayor of Hale Center from 1979-2016.