Arnie Sowell (2020) - Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame

Arnie Sowell

Induction:
2020
Class:
1957

Described by former Pitt track and field coach Carl Rees as “one of the greatest runners who ever lived,” Sowell distinguished himself both at Pitt (1953-57) and on the international stage. An accomplished middle-distance runner who claimed four NCAA titles, he was exceptionally versatile and owned range “from a quarter to five miles.” Sowell also scored in the jumps and anchored all the key relay teams for the Panthers. Internationally, he claimed the gold medal in the 800 meters at the 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico City. He was a 1956 Olympian and placed fourth in the 800 meters at the Summer Games in Melbourne. Sowell set the world indoor 880-yard run record in 1957. He tied the world’s 1,000-yard run mark in 1955.