He is the fellow that is always smiling, even as he is rapidly moving to put out a fire or handle a problem at a basketball tournament or soccer game. He is the person who has made sure the towels have been washed and basketballs are ready to go for warmups. He is the guy who has made sure that every ’T’ has been crossed and ‘I’ dotted when it comes to putting on a junior varsity game or a state tournament. He is Darrell Holland, the activities director at Hamilton High School. And, to the dismay of many, this will be his final year in that capacity.
Holland is retiring from teaching after 29 years at Hamilton and 40 years in education. A graduate of Drummond High School in 1973, Holland attended Western Montana College, now UMWestern, where he received a teaching degree in history and physical education. He also had a minor in drivers education.
After receiving his degree, he taught in Geraldine for eight years and then in Rosebud for another three years. Geraldine is in Choteau County in north central Montana. Rosebud is located down by Forsyth in south eastern Montana. Both are Class C schools.
In 1988, Holland and his family came to Hamilton where he settled in teaching and coaching. He took over from Dale Barry as the head basketball coach and was an assistant football coach. (One of his highlights at Hamilton was the two state championships the Broncs won in 1997 and 1998.)
In 2002, Holland stepped out of the classroom and into the office of the activities director although he continued to teach drivers’ ed. This move coincided with the opening of the ‘new’ high school on Fairgrounds road. One of the promises the group behind the bond to build the high school made to the community was to host as many tournaments and activities as possible in the new facility and so Holland set out to do just that. To date, Hamilton has hosted over 50 tournaments including quite a few state tournaments.
It is Holland’s ability to organize and his attention to details that have made the many tournaments, track meets, soccer games and softball games such a success. From the first tournament on, he put together a team of people who he tasked to do jobs that were essential, and others that became essential, for the teams, officials, and media who were involved in the game. Putting this crew together was key for the successful tournament experience. Many teams and coaches from around the state view Hamilton as one of the top venues they have been in.
One of the first state tournaments held at Hamilton was the girls Class A basketball in 2001. This was when girls basketball was still played in the fall. The Lewistown girls made the championship and were set to play Saturday night. The Lewistown football team had played in Whitefish for the state championship in the afternoon at Whitefish and won. They hustled the band and the team onto buses and with their fans following, made it down to the championship game that night. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house and Holland was right there, making sure everyone made it in and that the game went off without a hitch.
He said that his favorite tournament was actually two years ago when Hamilton again hosted the Class A girls state basketball tournament. The Lady Broncs were playing in the tournament and had the hometown advantage. They went on to win the state championship. Holland, and Hamilton, were able to celebrate on their home court. “It was pretty special,” he said.
Holland has been recognized by his peers for the job he does. He was named the Athletic Director of the year in 2007 and again in 2011. He was also honored by the Montana High School Association with a service citation for outstanding contribution to Montana athletics. The Montana Official Association honored him in February with a plaque as did the Western A conference.
But now, Holland says it’s time to give back to his family. His wife Sharon has been at his side these last few years, helping with tournaments and activities. While their children, Scott and Mandy, were in school, it was Sharon who carted them to games, practices, held dinner late and did all the things necessary for the kids to do their thing while Holland was working. He said he wanted to be ‘young enough’ to enjoy retirement and the grand kids. There are five, two here in Hamilton, and three in Astoria, Oregon.
Another reason he said now is the time to retire is his brother, JC Holland. JC was involved in a motorcycle accident a few years ago outside Drummond and is now partially paralyzed; although it hasn’t slowed him down and he still coaches for Drummond. Holland said his brother’s accident made him think more about his own life and appreciate his family even more.
“They have given everything to me to help me. Sharon has gone over and above the top to help me. It’s been fun to share this with her.” said Holland. “Now it’s time to give back to her and the kids.”