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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Thursday called Lou Holtz “one of the greatest coaches in American history” by honoring the College Football Hall of Fame and its political ally with the country’s highest civilian honor.
Holtz, whose 34-year coaching career included the 1988 national title at the University of Notre Dame, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony at the Oval Office. Holtz has run six different programs for bowling games and is a staunch Trump supporter.
“He is truly a teacher of life,” Trump said, stressing the respect and loyalty Holtz deserved from the many players he has mentored.
Holtz had a 249-132-7 record during a career that, in addition to Notre Dame, included stops at William & Mary in the state of North Carolina at the University of Arkansas , the University of Minnesota and the University of South Carolina. He also coached the NFL New York Jets with a 3-10 record in 1976.
Holtz, 83, said being honored by Trump made the award particularly meaningful.
“I am even more proud to receive it from President Donald Trump,” said Holtz, who added that Trump was “the greatest president of my life.”
A Kent State graduate, Holtz also served seven years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves.
The West Virginia native was among the speakers at this year’s Republican National Convention, offering Trump strong endorsement while attacking the president’s Democratic rival, Joe Biden. In his remarks, Holtz called Biden a Catholic “in name only.” Biden is a practicing Catholic.
Notre Dame President Reverend John I. Jenkins later issued a statement berating the former coach for using the university’s name in his remarks, saying it “should not be taken as implicating” may Our Lady endorse the views of Holtz, any candidate or political party. Jenkins also berated Holtz for questioning the “sincerity” of Biden’s faith.
Trump announced the week following Holtz’s speech at the convention that he would honor the retired coach with the medal.
“Everywhere Lou went, football glory followed,” Trump said at a ceremony that brought together around 30 people, most of whom wore no masks. Holtz revealed on November 19 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Holtz is one of the many sports figures Trump awarded the Medal of Freedom during his tenure.
Others include former NFL Hall of Fame member and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, Olympic athlete and former Rep Jim Ryun, golfer Tiger Woods, businessman and motorsport icon Roger Penske, Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach, professional basketball greats Bob Cousy and Jerry West, and baseball legends Babe Ruth and Mariano Rivera.
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