Holland shares experiences at event

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 11, 2008 1:54 PM

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Terry Holland knows the ins-and-outs of public education in the state of North Carolina.

The athletics director at East Carolina University shared some of his experiences with Wayne Community College graduates, faculty and various members of the Goldsboro community at the 15th annual Wayne Community College benefit golf tournament and auction held at Lane Tree Golf Club on Tuesday.

"I never even thought about college, until I was recruited as a basketball player and that started right here in Goldsboro," said Holland, a native of Clinton. "My team came here for a scrimmage and luckily for me one of the referees was former ACC referee Lou Bello, who called the scrimmage that day and he wrote a letter to Davidson College and told them to keep an eye on me."

The former Wildcat forward, assistant coach and University of Virginia head men's basketball coach also recalled his days as a player under Maryland basketball legend Lefty Driesell.

"I planned on going to Wake Forest and playing for a national contender, then my mom fell in love with Davidson," joked Holland. "They had hired an encyclopedia salesman named Driesell and I was his first recruiting visit. By the end of the night not only was I going to Davidson but we had a full new set of encyclopedias."

During his light-hearted speech, Holland also poked fun at his golf game and also his stunning resemblance to former Food Lion CEO Tom Smith.

After sharing stories, Holland turned his attention to more serious matters, like the funding of the community college system and the scholarship program.

"We are all a part of the global economy and being able to compete on that stage is so important," said. "We need to be personally accountable, and take responsibility for our actions.

"Those of you sitting here and the dollars you donate help people change their lives, and often the community college system is the last chance those students have to change the momentum in their lives."

Holland also pointed out the success that the WCC benefit golf tournament has achieved over it's 15 year history. Over $586,000 has been raised for the general scholarship fund, making the two-day event the biggest fund raiser of the year for the college.

"It says a lot about the power of one person, and their ability to change the world," said Holland. "At East Carolina, I think we do a great job working with community colleges, but we need to do even more."

To close his address, Holland drew upon lessons he learned from legendary coach John Wooden. Two 'Wooden-isms' that have stuck with the administrator through over three decades in education.

"Wooden once said 'failing to prepare is preparing to fail,' and those of you in this room are helping students prepare for the rest of their lives," said Holland. "Coach Wooden also said 'fear no opponent and respect all opponents', and we need to do that in the global market, we need to be able to compete."

The WCC benefit tournament, sponsored by Jackson and Sons, began this morning at 9 a.m at Lane Tree.