Mike Holovak, a 1985 College Football Hall of Fame inductee from Boston College died Sunday, Jan. 27 in Ruskin, Fla. He was 88 years old.
Through his football prowess, Holovak, a Lansford, Pa. native, earned an athletic scholarship to Seton Hall in New Jersey. It was there that Frank Leahy spotted him while Leahy was watching Vince Lombardi coach high school football. Holovak, a member of the opposing team, helped destroy Lombardi's squad and thus was discovered by Leahy. Leahy, then Fordham's coach, became Boston College's coach one month later. That's how Mike Holovak, happened to end up at Boston College, playing from 1940-42.
As a sophomore fullback, Holovak led the Eagles in rushing as well as contributing significantly to the defense. He scored touchdowns in two famous BC victories that year - a 19-18 triumph over Georgetown and a 19-13 upset of Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. His senior year he was co-captain of the team, ranked second in the nation in rushing and received consensus All-America honors. Holovak turned in an outstanding performance in the 1942 Orange Bowl where he set records for touchdowns (3) and average yards per carry (15.8 yards/carry). For his career, the 1942 Consensus All-America averaged 5.27 yards per carry.
Holovak served in the Navy as the skipper of a PT boat in the South Pacific war zone, which was credited with sinking nine Japanese ships. He later played pro ball with the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears.
Holovak returned to Boston College as head coach, 1951-59, posting a 49-29-3 record. He become coach of the New England Patriots in 1961, serving in that position until 1968, when he assumed the role of general manager with the Houston Oilers.
Holovak also coached and held administrative positions with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and New York Jets until retiring to Florida in 1998. He remained a special consultant and scout for the Tennessee Titans until shortly before his death.
In addition to his membership in the College Football Hall of Fame, Holovak is a member of, the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Titans Hall of Fame and the Seton Hall Prep Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife and daughters, Michele Harrison and her husband David of Gloucester, Mass. and Cindy Oatess and her husband Michael of South Tampa, Fla.; granddaughters Lisa M. Harrison of Boston and Stephanie Pizarro of Tampa; and grandson Michael J. Harrison of Gloucester. Holovak was predeceased by another daughter, Terrie Anne Holovak.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Mike Holovak Endowment Fund, c/o Boston College Advancement Office, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, Mass., 02467.
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