Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
James Hollman is a Heidelberg College football standout whose original collegiate intentions did not include any mention of the Tricolor. After attending one year at Division II Fairmont State University in West Virginia, Hollman, a St. Mary's, Ohio native, decided it best to move back to Ohio and play football at Heidelberg.
An excellent choice it was, in 1986, his first year with the Student Princes, Hollman earned a varsity letter as a starting middle linebacker, racking up a total 139 tackles. By his sophomore year Hollman was leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss, with an overall total of 141. He would also win Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors, Second Team All-OAC, Heidelberg Weightlifter of the Year and the Paul Hoernemann Award.
His award-winning career continued into his junior year, where, as co-captain, he not only made 155 tackles (68 solo), but also had two interceptions for 15 yards. This earned him yet another OAC Player of the Week nod, First Team All-OAC, and the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player (MVDP) Award.
Before his final year playing football even began in 1989, Hollman was already named Pre-Season All-American by College Football Preview and Gazette. This time, with 153 tackles, the co-captain earned his fourth varsity letter as a starting middle linebacker, his third OAC Player of the Week acknowledgement, his second MVDP Award and First Team All-OAC honors, and for the first time he was given Honorable Mention as a Pizza Hut All-American.
Hollman continues to coach football and track at around his home in St. Mary's, Ohio, and in the 1990's went back to school at Wright State University where the business administration major earned his certificate in elementary education. He is now a teacher at McBroom Junior High in the St. Mary's, Ohio and the offensive coordinator for the Memorial High Roughriders.
