Veteran Plainfield North Track Coach Enters Hall of Fame

Submitted by District 202:

It’s never easy to do the same thing - and do it very well - for 34 straight years. However, it’s a lot easier when you’ve got a good role model.

At least, that’s Tony Holler’s explanation for his success as a high school track coach at Plainfield North High School and elsewhere.

Holler is one of seven coaches who will be inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association’s Coaches Hall of Fame on January 10, 2015. Over 40 coaches were nominated this year for the honor.

Of course Holler is proud of the recognition. Yet he said he is even prouder of his professional longevity. During his entire career,Holler has been a classroom teacher, and coached both football and track. He currently teaches five sections of Honors Chemistry.

“I have no interest in quitting,” Holler said. Calling himself a simple man, Holler credited his father’s 44-year teaching and coaching career as his professional inspiration and model. “My father was certain of his purpose. I am too,” he said.

In fact, coaching track and field has become something of a family business. Holler has three sons and a daughter ranging in age from 21-30. His son Alec also coaches high school track in Edwardsville. Another son, Quinn plans on teaching and coaching.

Holler started fulfilling his own purpose as a teacher and track and field coach at Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Illinois. He also worked in Franklin, Tennessee before coming to District 202 and PNHS in 2006.

Holler has earned many accolades and honors for his coaching. At Harrisburg, Holler’s teams won three IHSA Class A state championships. His athletes have won 94 state medals, including nine in his time at PNHS.

Holler has presented at 20 coaching clinics and now writes blogs and articles for two track & field websites.

“Coach Holler is one of the best high school track coaches in Illinois,” said PNHS Athletic Director Ron Lear. “His dedication to the sport is second to none. Coach Holler takes great pride in running a top notch program. His relationships with student athletes are outstanding,” Lear said.