On a snowy Monday morning, Notre Dame football legends returned to campus to remember Lou Holtz and his timeless impact on the Irish community. Over 100 players returned to the funeral, joining University officials, fans and supporters across the country. Before the celebration of Holtz’s inspirational life, captains and leading players from his Notre Dame tenure spoke to reporters and the community about what message he spread under the Dome.
Among those in attendance were former Notre Dame football head coach Brian Kelly, current Irish boss Marcus Freeman and administrators from the 11 years Holtz led the Irish. Alumni from his teams also spoke to reporters to share the impact the coach still has on them today.
The list of players included 1983-86 quarterback Steve Beuerlein, 1991-94 running back Lee Becton, 1986-89 linebacker Ned Bolcar, 1983-86 linebacker Mike Kovaleski, 1991 and 1993-95 cornerback Shawn Wooden, 1988-90 nose tackle Chris Zorich and 1985-88 free safety Corny Southall.
When asked about the alumni attendance, Kovaleski said, “We come from all over the country. To have 100 or 150 or more football players come back for a football coach, that means that guy, that coach left an impression on all of our lives.” Kovaleski led Notre Dame for four seasons and played one year in the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
“Coach Faust came in the front door of the auditorium to say goodbye to us. And as he was leaving out the front door, Coach Holtz came down the ramp from behind us in the auditorium, immediately got on stage and immediately took control of the room, and of our lives,” Southall said of Holtz’s introduction to the team in 1985.
After a 5-6 record in that first season — including five losses by five points or less — Holtz posted ten consecutive seasons with a winning record, five 10-win seasons and compiled a 100-30-2 record. He endeared himself to his players, in and outside of football.
Bolcar best remembered Holtz’s personality, saying, “He wasn’t the most physically gifted. He spoke with a lisp. It worked in his favor with his sense of humor. He had a great sense of humor.”
Holtz used his unique style of motivation and humor to bring the players and community together. Not only uniting Notre Dame football in new ways spiritually, but also truly tying in the mission of the University with the product on the gridiron. His leadership serves as a shining beacon even today for coaches looking to establish a program’s culture.
“He poured into so many people and he taught you how to pour into others, to love people and see the best in people and try to just help them out. From the time I was recruited here to the time he left us on this earth, I always knew that Coach Holtz would have my back,” Wooden said.
After the press conference, Basilica of the Sacred Heart packed with former players, Notre Dame leaders and fans remembered Holtz in a funeral service. Holtz will rest in Cedar Grove Cemetery next to the grave of his wife Beth, who passed away from cancer in 2020. It is evident how Holtz’s impact spread far beyond the confines of Notre Dame Stadium, becoming a football coach who truly lived by the Catholic faith to make his community and the world a better place.
Editor's Note: Jonathan Karr contributed reporting to this story.
