Lou Hollway - Legacy 2002

Lou Hollway came to Ann Arbor after a brief stint coaching football and basketball in Adrian.  In 1922, Lou moved to Ann Arbor and became Ann Arbor High's first Athletic Director.  A few years later Lou started the Ann Arbor Recreation Department; the first in the state in the 1920's.  The highlight of the recreation department was the high school field day held at Ferry Field.

 

Lou coaches all-American football players including Ed Walsh, Kip Taylor, Otto Pommerening, and Bob Westfall.  He coaches football, basketball and golf.  Though his support junior varsity programs were added to athletics.

 

In the 1950's his first wife died, and he went on to marry Florence Conlin in 1957.  In 1962 Lou retired from coaching and the school system.  In his honor the football stadium was named Hollway Field.  At the time of his retirement his concerns were; youth not staying in good physical shape and the need for improvement in American sports culture especially sportsmanship not only by the player, but the parents.  Lou passed away in 1977.  The school system established the Louis Hollway Memorial Award give to the best all-around senior athlete.

 

In 2003 a bronze plaque was mounted on the bell tower honoring Lou Hollway and answering the question of "Why is this field name Hollway Field?"  Lou would have been honored yet humbled by the plaque.