A Notre Dame Story: Kovaleski's Unlikely Captaincy
In the storied halls of Notre Dame football, tales abound from the era of Lou Holtz. If you played under him, you've got a treasure trove of stories. But there's one tale that Mike Kovaleski, a former linebacker, held close for over four decades-until now.
On a snowy Monday morning inside the Schivarelli Lounge at Notre Dame Stadium, Kovaleski finally shared this story. He was back on campus for the funeral of Holtz, who passed away at 89. Kovaleski's journey with Notre Dame began under coach Gerry Faust, but it was Holtz who left a lasting mark during his first year as head coach in 1986.
The backdrop was a turbulent return from Miami after a crushing 58-7 loss, marking the end of the 1985 season. Weather woes forced the team to reroute from South Bend to Chicago, turning a 90-minute bus ride into a four-hour ordeal. Exhausted, they arrived back on campus just in time for a pivotal 4 p.m. meeting where Faust said his farewells and Holtz introduced himself.
Kovaleski recalls the team being "complete zombies" from the sleepless journey. Yet, what followed was a moment that would define his career.
The next day, Kovaleski received an unexpected call from Jan Blazi, Holtz’s administrative assistant, asking him to meet Holtz at 8 a.m. the following morning. Confused but intrigued, Kovaleski obliged. In Holtz's office, amidst the smoke of a pipe, Kovaleski learned that he would be the team's sole captain for the 1986 season-a tradition-breaking decision by Holtz.
Kovaleski was stunned. He knew many teammates were equally deserving, like quarterback Steve Beuerlein and linebacker Tom Galloway. Yet, Holtz's decision was firm.
Reflecting on that moment, Kovaleski admitted, "I didn’t know what to think." He shared the news with his father, unsure if it was real. Despite the uncertainty, he embraced the role with determination.
As captain, Kovaleski led by being genuine. He started all 11 games, played with heart, and spoke up when needed. His leadership was pivotal in a challenging season that ended with a memorable comeback win against USC, setting the stage for future triumphs.
Kovaleski never directly thanked Holtz or questioned his decision. Instead, he focused on being the best leader he could be, driven by a sense of responsibility and gratitude.
Looking back, Kovaleski feels a mix of pride and humility. Seeing his former teammates, he often reflects, "You should have been captains with me." Yet, he understands the unique bond he shared with Holtz-a coach who saw something special in him.
As he bid farewell to Holtz, Kovaleski carried a sense of happiness, knowing Holtz lived a full life. "He’s with Christ.
He’s in Heaven. How awesome is that?"
he mused, honoring the man who believed in him during a transformative chapter of Notre Dame football.