Coaches

Paul J. Houghton

Year Inducted: 1977

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: Marion High School
Anna-Jonesboro High School

Biography: Paul Houghton was considered a revolutionary coach in his 18 years of coaching—9 at Marion High School (1928-1939) and 9 at Anna-Jonesboro High School (1939-1948). Houghton is believed to be the first coach to use the full court zone press (1934-1935). Houghton’s Marion teams advanced to the state tourney in 1934 and 1935. At Anna-Jonesboro, his teams advanced to the state tourney in 1943 and 1944. Houghton teams were 132-92 at Marion and 156-92 at Anna-Jonesboro. Paul served in all positions with the Illinois Coaches Association that included 2 terms as president. He also later became the president of the Illinois Secondary School Principals Association. Paul Houghton passed away on October 19, 2001 at the age of 100.