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Integrity
the hallmark of career
Terry Holland, Respected Leader At The University Of Virginia And
National Figure In Intercollegiate Athletics, Steps Down
July 15, 2004 --
M. Terry Holland, a nationally respected leader in college athletics
for three decades who led the University of Virginia Department
of Athletics through a
period of major growth, will step down as special assistant to University President
John T. Casteen III, Casteen announced today. The move will be effective at the
end of August.
“Terry's decision rightly draws attention to his long and devoted service
to the
University of Virginia, and to intercollegiate athletics nationwide,” Casteen
said. “His reputation for integrity in sports programs speaks for itself.
Our former athletes, our coaches, and many thousands of U.Va. fans know the
value of his professional competence, his personal warmth, and his lifelong
quest for
excellence.
“We
wish for him and for Ann only the best of experiences in
the future. I personally look forward to continuing, in yet
another context, a friendship
I have treasured
for almost 30 years.”
Holland
first came to U.Va. on April 1, 1974 as head men’s
basketball coach and over the next 16 seasons became the
most successful coach in Cavalier
history, with a record of 326-173. In 1990, he returned to his alma mater,
Davidson College,
to become its athletic director, but five years later he was back in Charlottesville
to take on the athletic director duties at U.Va.
During
Holland’s
tenure as athletic director, the University quickly moved to improve
its facilities. With the help of generous alumni, Holland
initiatives
included: the $86 million expansion of Scott Stadium and creation of
the Carl Smith Center; construction of the Aquatics and Fitness
Center, home
to Virginia’s
swimming and diving teams and one of the nation’s top collegiate
recreation facilities; expansion and naming of the Sheridan Snyder Tennis
Center; the University
Hall Turf Field; and The Park, home to the Cavalier softball team.
In
1998-99, U.Va. achieved its highest-ever finish in the Sear’s
Directors Cup, an all-sports competition among NCAA Division I universities
based
on their performance in NCAA championships, taking eighth nationally.
In 1999, the Charlotte
Observer named Holland one of the 50 most influential figures in ACC
basketball history.
Holland
gave up the directorship in June 2001 to become special assistant
to the president so he could focus his attention
on one of his long-term
goals
-- the creation of a new basketball arena. In this new position,
Holland was dedicated
to raising funds for the John Paul Jones Arena, currently under construction
across from University Hall -- Holland’s base for most of his
tenure in Charlottesville. The University officially broke ground
for the new facility
in 2003, and it is scheduled to open in 2006.
“The University of Virginia athletic program is in great hands under the
leadership of Craig Littlepage and the arena project is already a reality to
those who drive
by it daily, as I do,” Holland said. “This makes it
a good time for me to look for challenging opportunities either
inside
or outside intercollegiate
athletics before I hang up the sneakers for good.
“Charlottesville
and the University of Virginia will always be home for me and
my family. There is no way to properly express our appreciation
for the personal
and professional support we have received from this community.
We would like to say a big thank you for those many people who have made U.Va.
athletics a
positive model for intercollegiate athletics.”
Holland hired Littlepage as an assistant basketball coach in
1976, and Littlepage later succeeded him as athletic director,
a post
he still
holds. The two
are long-time colleagues, but more important, Littlepage said,
they are the greatest
of friends.
“Terry
has been more than mentor to me. Without a doubt, I owe much
to Terry and his family. I came to U.Va. due to his decision
to offer me a position
on his
coaching staff. I returned in 1988 as a result of our relationship,” Littlepage
said. “Terry has influenced each subsequent step of my
professional life.”
Littlepage
believes Holland’s
high standards and strong commitment to intercollegiate athletics
help set the stage for the future strength and reputation
of University
of Virginia athletics programs. “The success of his
teams in the late 1970’s
and early 1980’s raised the bar and encouraged coaches
and student-athletes at U.Va. to compete with the best programs
in the country. He was a leader here
in Charlottesville and a leader on the national scene. His
vision and commitment made us all better.”
Holland
has remained active in basketball circles. He was a member
of the powerful NCAA Basketball Committee, chairing
the panel
in 1997. He
served
on the Senior
National Team Committee of USA Basketball from 1992 through
1996, and currently chairs the organization’s Collegiate
Committee, which he has served on since 1996.
Contacts: Rich Murray, (434) 982-5500 or Dan Heuchert, (434) 924-7676 |