(RepublicanInformer.com)- The White House announced on December 2 that President Donald Trump would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Louis Leo Holtz, one of America’s most famous football coaches.
The statement revealed how Lou Holtz will be recognized on Thursday as “one of the greatest football coaches of all time” and for his “unmatched accomplishments on the gridiron.” Holtz will also be recognized for his philanthropy, his books, and for being a “true American patriot.”
President @realDonaldTrump will award the Medal of Freedom to @CoachLouHoltz88 tomorrow! https://t.co/db2FZjauvA
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 2, 2020
President Trump gave Holtz the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony that took place in the Oval Office.
WATCH: President Trump awards legendary college football coach Lou Holtz with the Presidential Medal of Freedom pic.twitter.com/cPDidwAcjy
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 3, 2020
Standing next to the president, Holtz said that he was felt fortunate to be there, and to be “part of this great country and be next to an individual I respect as much as him.”
The Medal of Freedom is the country’s highest civilian honor which is awarded by the President to individuals who have made “meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
The president revealed in September that he planned to give the award to Holtz, after he coached for 33 seasons at colleges all over the country.
After graduating from Kent State, Holtz started his coaching career working as a graduate assistant at the University of Iowa. His first head-coaching job was at the College of William and Mary, where he led the team to a South Conference Title win and even an appearance at the Tangerine Bowl.
“Over the next 35 years, Holtz led successful college and professional football teams, including North Carolina State, the University of Arkansas, the New York Jets, the University of Minnesota, and the University of South Carolina, compiling an impressive overall record of 249-132-7,” the statement added.
The White House said that they would commemorate his “outstanding accomplishments both on and off the football field.”
Holtz has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Trine University, University of Notre Dame, and the University of South Carolina…so the Medal of Freedom is by no means the first major recognition of his decades-long commitment to the sport and public.
