[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING LOU HOLTZ

  (Mr. Yakym of Indiana was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we lost a giant. Growing up in 
South Bend, Coach Holtz was more than a football coach. He was a living 
legend.
  When I was young, my family took me to a Notre Dame hockey game. We 
were walking up late, so there was nobody else around. Appearing out 
from the shadows, you could see the silhouette of Coach Holtz. My 
father asked if he had a moment to say hello and sign autographs for 
us. The coach could have just blown us off, but he didn't do that. He 
walked straight up to me, got down on one knee, stuck out his hand and 
said: ``Hi, I am Coach Holtz. What is your name?''
  That moment for me became a lifelong lesson. It taught me that no 
matter who you are or where you go in life, you are never too important 
to say hello to someone that wants your time. That is exactly who Coach 
Holtz was--a national champion, a Hall of Fame coach, sure; but even 
more importantly, he was an extraordinary person. He is someone who 
brought out the best in people. He got more out of people than they 
ever believed possible. He inspired them to be the best that they could 
be, and he set a high standard of excellence that the people around him 
could only hope to achieve.
  Sallyann and I lift up the Holtz family in our prayers.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Coach Holtz for the memories and his positive 
influence on the South Bend community and Notre Dame at large. Go 
Irish.

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