Fans greet Italy’s new athletic director and football head coach, Hank Hollywood
Italy ISDs newly appointed athletic director, football head coach and social studies teacher, Hank Hollywood. (Barry Byers)
Italy — With a packed cafeteria at Italy High School, several student athletes, alumni and fans gathered to witness the official announcement of Italy’s new athletic director, football head coach and social studies teacher, Hank Hollywood during the school board meeting conducted Tuesday, March 6.
Coach Hollywood, with his wife Amy and one of his two sons, Brock, close by, and sporting one of his state championship rings which reflected the eager gazes of Lady Gladiator and Gladiator players, Hollywood gave an insightful speech as to his inspirations as a youth and how being an athletic director has been a career long goal for himself.
“My coaches at Celina where really my fathers. I love my dad, but my parents went thru a divorce and I just never saw much of him while I was growing up. So my coaches helped to raise me, and along the way, sparked my passion for sports and the positive impact a coach can have on a young person’s life,” eplained Coach Hollywood.
A brother of three sisters, Coach Hollywood acknowledged the backseat girls athletics often takes behind boys athletics and that he is committed to fielding every Italy team with the best possible gear and and promote a winning attitude within the ranks. “If you look sharp, you feel sharp and you’ll be more likely to make positive decisions,” added Coach Hollywood.
In addition to his P.E. Certification, Coach Hollywood brings a mountain of experience and accomplishment along with him. A 1995 football state championship ring as a player in Celina and two state rings as a coach in both 2000 and 2001, a 2007 state powerlifting ring as a coach in Kennedale and multiple achievements in track at the state level throughout his years make Coach Hollywood, who has coached the past four-years as the defensive coordinator with 4A Red Oak, a solid choice by the Italy School Board.
Coach Hollywood concluded by saying, “I’m excited to be here, I believe in keeping with tradition and the kids will learn the value of hard work and advantages gained by outworking their opponents.”