Herb was born in Trenton, Tennessee on March 25, 1934. His father, Otis, was a pharmacist and his mother, Louise, was the secretary for the Trenton Chamber of Commerce. Herb attended Trenton Elementary School, Trenton Middle School, and Peabody High School. He played quarterback and was captain of the football team at Peabody. During his high school tenure, Herb won the distinction of being voted football captain of the “Big Ten” on all ten western Tennessee high school coaches’ ballots. In basketball, Herb served as captain of the junior varsity and varsity basketball teams. Aside from sports, Herb exhibited leadership as the senior class president. Herb played baseball for the Humboldt Tennessee American Legion. Because of Herb’s outstanding sports performances, he was honored in 2006 by being inducted into the Gibson County Sports Hall of Fame.

 

After graduating from Peabody High School, Herb attended Murray State University in Kentucky on a football scholarship where he played quarterback and was co-captain of the team. He was the student body vice president and president of the Methodist Student Union. He met his wife, Maurelle, at Murray State in 1952, and they were married in 1955. Maurelle shared that herb was a campus favorite. Herb earned a bachelor’s degree in English and physical education and a Master’s in administration.

 

After graduating from Murray State, Herb worked as head football coach and head basketball coach for three years in McKenzie, Tennessee. After moving to Virginia, Herb taught physical education and English at Hammond High School in Alexandria, Virginia where he was also the assistant football coach and the junior varsity baseball coach. When T. C. Williams High School opened, he served as head football coach and the junior varsity baseball coach. After three years, Herb was appointed athletic director, and later became assistant principal. Herb retired in 1997, but continued his coaching with the Babe Ruth Baseball League in Springfield, Virginia. Herb and Maurelle were blessed with son John and daughter Kristen and enjoy six grandchildren: Lauren and Alex Holt; Scarlett, Stella, twins Katherine and Audrey Walker.

 

Herb was instrumental in the leadership of NVADACA and served as the Membership Chairman, Vice President, and President. This organization is honored to present a scholarship in the name of Herbert Lain Holt in recognition of his exemplary sports skills and his natural leadership and teaching abilities.