More than 60 former Notre Dame players, dozens of current and former athletic department administrators, and hundreds of adoring fans were on hand Saturday morning at Gate D in Notre Dame Stadium for the dedication of the Lou Holtz sculpture. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and former University president Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. were among those paying tribute.

Holtz, with wife Beth, witnessed the unveiling of the statue sculpted by Notre Dame graduate Jerry McKenna, who has contributed similar works at Notre Dame of long-time athletic director Edward "Moose" Krause and legendary Irish football coaches Frank Leahy and Ara Parseghian.

The sculpture features Holtz talking to Brown, No. 81, with No. 9—former Irish walk-on Skip Holtz—standing just behind his father.

"There's never been a better fit than Coach Holtz and this University," offered Irish athletic director Jack Swarbrick.

Hesburgh, a late addition to the list of speakers, climbed the dais after being handed a wireless microphone and paid tribute to Holtz. Hesburgh immediately recognized the late Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C., Notre Dame's long-time executive vice-president and dear friend to Hesburgh. It was Joyce who told Hesburgh that "we need Holtz at Notre Dame."

Said Hesburgh: "Lou Holtz didn't just come to Notre Dame; he brought victory with him."

University president Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., quoted Holtz's oft-used acronym, WIN—What's Important Now—and said, "You gave us a national title, but so much more. You were an inspiration to young men to have an effect on the world."

Jenkins also referred to Beth Holtz as the "quiet, powerful presence in his life."

Brown, who went on to star with the Raiders, both in Los Angeles and Oakland, credited his success on the collegiate and professional level to Holtz, who told him upon his arrival, "Unless they intercept the snap from center, I'm going to get you the ball."

Added Brown: "I've always had a statue of him in my heart...Without Lou, Tim Brown wouldn't have been the same player, here or in the NFL."

Long-time Holtz friend and New York Times best-selling author Harvey Mackay said that Holtz always concludes his phone conversations with, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Said Mackay: "More importantly, he means it."

Before introducing Holtz, master of ceremonies Jack Nolan referred to Notre Dame Stadium as "the house that Rockne built...and Lou expanded."

After making a quick quip about not being sure whether the sculpture was of Robert Redford or himself, Holtz spoke of his love for his family and Notre Dame.

Holtz told Hesburgh that "no one has had a more prominent role and influence in my life than you have."

"The greatest thing about Notre Dame is being able to talk about your faith in God and not having to worry about someone reporting it to the president of the ACLU," Holtz said.

Holtz said he was pleased to be the inspiration for people to say, "If that dumb sucker can do it, so can I."

Holtz referred to the tenets of his beliefs. Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care because everybody has three questions: Can I trust you? Are you committed to excellence? Do you care about me?

Said Holtz: "That's what Notre Dame is all about... That's the spirit of Notre Dame."

In conclusion, Holtz said: "I've been blessed and I thank the good Lord for allowing me to be here. In particular, I will give thanks when we watch the Irish once again knock the living daylights out of Michigan."