William Holland

Bill Holland wrestled 2 years at Lock Haven High, graduating in 1942, then served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years during World War II. He graduated in 1951 from Lock Haven State Teachers College. He then earned a Master's Degree from Penn State. From there, he would go on to be a true pioneer and visionary in the sport of wrestling. Bill was named District 6 Wrestling Chair in 1966. In 1973, he became Tournament Director for both the District 6 and the Central-Northwestern Regional Tournaments. He oversaw these responsibilities until the late 80's. Bill was the PIAA Vice President for 5 years, and President for 5 years. He was a long time member of the Wrestling Steering Committee, & Board of Control. Bill made numerous progressive changes to wrestling. Bill also expanded District, Regional, and State Tournaments, to add full consolations and to advance more than just the champion. Today's tournaments are the product of Bill Holland's vision and courage. No other individual had as much impact on the growth and success of PA's post season wrestling as Bill Holland. Bill taught Hall of Fame Coach Dick Rhoades in high school. He mentored Hall of Fame Coach Tom Elling and Doug Buckwalter at Lock Haven. Wrestling coaches in PA knew they had a friend in Bill Holland and that he always looked out for the wrestlers and coaches in anything he did to improve our sport. Bill was a District 6 Man of the Year, a member of the Clinton County Sports Hall of Fame, and the District 6 Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 1990 he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. Bill passed away on June 28, 2013 at the age of 88. His first wife Gertrude, preceded him in death in 1987. Bill later married Ann Crowley, who survives him today.

Awards:

Year
2016
Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter/Region
Pennsylvania

Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations