Coach Lou Holtz Gives ‘Three Simple Rules’ for Life

“I’m not going to preach to you. I’m not going to lecture to you,” legendary coach Lou Holtz told the packed house in the Nolan Gymnasium at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. “I’m going to share the things I believe from the bottom of my heart.”

Holtz was the keynote speaker at Benedictine College’s Academic Convocation at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. An author and sports commentator, Holtz is the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games, and is a good friend of Benedictine College.

Watch his convocation address below or here on YouTube.

“I hope you realize how fortunate you are to be at a college where you can express your faith in God,” he said. “I can’t begin to tell you how important that has been in my life. I hope that you will always cherish the religious freedom you have and that you continue to maintain your faith and beliefs long after you leave Benedictine College.”

Holtz, known for his “Do Right” philosophy, advised the gathered students on how to be successful in life. He said “It’s not complicated. It’s a few simple rules: just do what’s right, do the best you can, and show people you care.”

“I promise you this, those three rules will never let you down,” he said.

He was the first donor to Mary’s Grotto on campus. He endowed a scholarship at the school and has spoken on campus, including Benedictine College’s Leadership Class. His remarks follow.