John Henry “Doc” Reeves (April 12, 1870 - February 19, 1916)

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Long before the first Black student enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, Henry Reeves served as an athletic trainer and equipment manager.

John Henry Reeves was born in 1871 to freed slaves in Tennessee and moved to Austin in his 20s. First hired as a janitor by the University of Texas, he soon became the water carrier and equipment manager. When university staff learned of his skills in first aid and medicine, his job expanded to become an athletic trainer.

For 20 years beginning in 1894, “Doc Henry,” as he was known to students, healed and supported the athletes, especially the football team. Speaking of the game, Doc said, “I love football because I have been with it so long I believe I thoroughly understand the game….I enjoy seeing men play it the way it should be played and I will stay with the game as long as they let me.” 

Doc’s life shows a complex mix of support from some and discrimination from others. While on the road for games, he was barred from eating or rooming with players because of his race. When the UT president attempted to fire him, students protested, and Reeves was able to keep his job. When he suffered a stroke, the students raised funds for his hospital bills, funeral, and to support his widow after his death. 

His dedication, symbolized by his medicine bag, towel, and water bucket, set a standard for trainers and managers that followed. According to an article written in the Houston Chronicle upon his passing, “In the hearts of Longhorn athletes and sympathizers, Doctor Henry can never be forgotten.” He was elected to the Longhorn Hall of Fame in 2000.