Eastern Washington University Athletics

Brewer competed in the 1948 Olympic Trials and is still the school record holder in the 220 yard dash (21.2) and fifth in the 100 (9.6). He was called by Abe Poffenroth as one of the "greatest sprinters to come out of Eastern." Brewer won the 1947 Washington Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in the 100 with a record time of 9.6 seconds, breaking the previous record of 9.7 tied in 1940 by Vic Carpine. Carpine, who was inducted into the Eastern Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 along with his nephews Tony and Fred Carpine, had his 220 record of 21.4 (1939) broken by Brewer in 1947. Brewer never lost a collegiate race, and at one point in his career he had times that were better than Harrison Dillard, who went on to win an Olympic gold medal in the 100 in 1948 and won a total of four Olympic titles in the sprints and hurdles. Brewer lettered in basketball at Eastern in the 1947-48 season when the Eagles finished 16-12, and he also played football. Originally from Toppenish, Wash., Brewer held the Toppenish High School record in the 200 for 55 years. Brewer left Eastern to serve the United States Army in the Korean War, and then he returned to work at his family’s farm. He eventually ran a restaurant in Mabton, Wash., for more than 25 years. Said Fred Carpine in a letter of recommendation for the Eastern HOF: “Holt was a good guy, shy and quiet off the field, but an inspiration and leader to the team by his dedication and preparation on the field. I truly feel that if my uncle Vic Carpine, my brother Tony and myself are worthy of Hall of Fame induction, then Holt is certainly worthy to be inducted -- and it’s a real shame that he hasn’t already been. It was well-documented during the time frame that we were in college the caliber of athlete that Holt was, and he stood on top as far as track was concerned. Having never lost a race during his college career should and does speak volumes as to Holt’s worthiness of induction. It was as rare back then as it is today for someone to dominate in a sport, but that’s exactly what Holt did.” State of Washington Representative Norm Johnson, who has known Brewer for over 65 years, had this to say about the Native Yakama tribal member: “During the 1940’s it was uncommon for a registered Native American Indian to attend College. Holt’s attendance at the University attests to his diligence and tenacity to live a life of worth. He is a tribute to his family, his Indian heritage and his school. When we reflect on who has lived a life worthy of the Hall of Fame, no one that I can think of has lived a life with more vigor and honor than Holt.” Added his daughters in another letter of recommendation: “Dad always put family first. He sacrificed his college career after his return from the war to stay on the family farm and support his family. Some would say that he missed out on opportunities ranging from going to the Olympics to a career in professional football. But his daughters and friends see a man who stands taller than any professional athlete. A man who is humble and honorable in the way he has lived his life. Our dad has always let his actions and conduct speak for the kind of man he is. He is respectful, loyal, and most of all, a family man.” Brewer passed away on April 18, 2020, at the age of 92.