WACO, Texas (TSHOF/SMU) – Mustang linebacker Putt Choate was named one of eight new members to be inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame, as announced by the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (TSHOF).

The two-time All-SWC selection (1977, 1978) is SMU's leading tackler in school history with 649 stops. He also owns the program's single-season record for most tackles with 253 in 1978. Choate recorded 31 tackles in a game against Texas A&M in 1976. He has three of the top five season tackles marks and three of the top five single-game totals. Choate was inducted into the SMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.

Following his time on the Hilltop, he went on to play professionally for the Denver Gold (USFL) in 1983, San Antonio Gunslingers (USFL) from 1984-85 and the Green Bay Packers in 1987.

The Southwest Conference (SWC) Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will be held at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 12 p.m. To purchase tickets, tables or sponsorships, please visit tshof.org/swc or contact Krista Martin at krista.martin@tshof.org / 254-756-1633.
 
The Southwest Conference Hall of Fame is one of four separate halls of fame housed within the Texas Sports Hall of Fame's building.  

2022 SWC Class: 
Ben Crowins- University of Arkansas- Football
Santana Dotson- Baylor University - Football
Danny Davis - University of Houston- Football
Kareem Streete Thompson- Rice University- Track & Field
Putt Choate- SMU- Football
Betsy Mitchell- University of Texas- Swimming
*Texas A&M- will be announced at a later date*
Carven Holcombe- Texas Christian University- Basketball
Maury Buford- Texas Tech University- Football