How Lou Holtz's impact on Benedictine College went far beyond football
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ATCHISON — Lou Holtz, the famous college football coach, died on Wednesday, March 4. The legendary Notre Dame coach from 1986-96 died at age 89.
To many across the country, Holtz was a great coach and TV analyst. For those in Northeast Kansas, he means so much more.
In Atchison, Holtz is well-respected. He brought humor, kindness and his proud Catholic principles to Benedictine College.
“He was a very faithful guy and I think that he found that we were a faithful place,” Benedictine College president Stephen Minnis told the Capital-Journal. “He really enjoyed our students. When he came on campus and saw the things that we were doing, I think it really moved him.”
Holtz was Benedictine’s 2007 Commencement address speaker. He also spoke in 2012 and in 2022 during Benedictine’s Convocation ceremonies. His wit and charm were the perfect kick-start to the new academic year. His ability to intertwine serious thoughts and humor was one of his greatest characteristics.
“I hope that you realize how fortunate you are to be at a university, where you can express your faith in God,” Holtz said in 2022. “We all have faith in God, but it flounders from time to time. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I prayed when Michigan was on our 3-yard line.”
In 2012, Holtz and his wife, Beth, received Benedictine College’s highest honor for alumni and friends. The couple received the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict. The award is received by those who have made impacts to Benedictine College.
Mary’s Grotto built thanks to Holtz
Holtz will forever be known as the first donor to one of Benedictine’s great campus characteristics.
While walking up the large flight of outdoor stairs toward the academic quad, Mary’s Grotto provides sanctuary and a place to pray on campus. Benedictine’s grotto is akin to the grotto at Notre Dame. Both grottos are dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Holtz was the first major donor for the creation of the grotto in 2006. The grotto was built in 2008 and has been the cornerstone of the college. During convocation, freshmen begin their college journey there. In the spring, seniors end their college careers at the grotto during commencement week.
When Holtz went into hospice care in late January, Benedictine continued to honor the former coach. There’s a permanent candle at the grotto with Lou and Beth Holtz’s name inscribed. The candle continues to be lit in his honor. The man, who helped fund a pivotal part of the college’s campus.
“We will continue to light his candle in the grotto,” Minnis wrote. “It will forever remind us of his friendship and love of Benedictine College, and our deep affection for him.”
Holtz’s $25,000 check pivotal to Benedictine’s success
In 2017, Minnis and athletic director Charlie Gartenmayer were in San Antonio, Texas. The two were attending the SEEK, an annual Catholic conference hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.
During the trip, Minnis and Gartenmayer enjoyed breakfast with Holtz, who was a keynote speaker at the conference. The trio had close to a two-hour discussion about everyday things and Benedictine.
“He asked us, ‘What are your most pressing needs?’” Gartenmayer recalled. “We said scholarships for our kids.”
After breakfast, Holtz wrote Benedictine a $25,000 check to start a scholarship fund. The scholarship fund started in Holtz and his wife’s name has continued to help students attend the college.
“It has impacted some students here that wouldn’t have been able to come to college at Benedictine if it wasn’t for his scholarship,” Minnis said. “That will continue for forever and he will continue to have an impact here at Benedictine College.”
How Holtz impacted the Raven football team
While Holtz has forever made an impact on Benedictine’s campus, he also left a major impact on the football team.
During his 2022 convocation address, head football coach Joel Osborn was able to meet Holtz. He brought his team to the convocation to hear from Holtz and the wisdom that he provided.
“You could see his passion for learning and his passion for the Catholic faith,” Osborn said. “He’s a national treasure. There’s so many good things that he’s said.”
Holtz and Osborn share some of the same attributes in instilling culture in a football team. Holtz often spoke about doing things correctly and doing things for the good of the team. These characteristics have made Benedictine successful, too.
The Ravens have won four straight Heart of America Conference titles under Osborne. Benedictine has a combined record of 40-9 during this stretch. A commitment to the betterment of the team has been key.
“To know that we have a connection to him here at Benedictine through the college and the football program,” Osborn said. “It’s pretty cool.”
Liam Keating is a 2021 graduate of Benedictine College. Hecovers high school sports and Washburn University athletics for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Inside Lou Holtz’s lasting legacy at Benedictine College
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