Holly Area Schools inducts beloved ‘Voice of the Bronchos’ into Broncho Hall of Fame

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Feb. 12, 2024
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377

Holly Area Schools inducts beloved ‘Voice of the Bronchos’ into Broncho Hall of Fame
Community posthumously honors late veteran teacher, mentor, coach and athletic announcer Tony Coggins

 HOLLY, Mich. — Some knew Tony Coggins as a teacher and advisor. Others knew Coggins as a coach and mentor. Others still knew him as the “Voice of the Bronchos” at Holly High School and other Michigan athletic events. In all cases, the late Coggins demonstrated Broncho Pride in every aspect of his life.

For his commitment to Holly High School students, student-athletes and the Holly community at large for more than 23 years, Coggins was posthumously inducted into the Broncho Hall of Fame this month.

“Tony demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our students before, during and after school, both in the classroom and on the athletic field,” said Casey Lombard, Holly Area Schools athletic director. “He left a lasting legacy in our schools, athletic programs and community, and we’re truly fortunate to have called him part of our Broncho family for so many years.”

Each year, the Broncho Hall of Fame committee typically selects up to three outstanding athletes, athletic leaders or teams. This year, committee members voted unanimously to induct only Coggins, citing his outstanding character, integrity and achievements in the Holly district and beyond.

The Hall of Fame induction was held Feb. 2 at Holly High School between boys and girls varsity basketball games against Linden. Michigan House Rep. Jasper Martus presented a signed State of Michigan declaration to the Coggins family in Tony Coggins’ memory. Coggins’ Hall of Fame plaque, picture and biography, provided by the high school’s athletic department, will be hung in the school’s athletic hallway.

Coggins taught social studies and English Language Arts at the high school for more than 23 years and was a middle school swim coach and public address announcer for Holly football, basketball, volleyball and swim events. He served as public address announcer for numerous Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals and semi-finals, and was a substitute announcer for several women’s sports teams at Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan.

Many students knew Coggins in other capacities, including Student Council advisor, National Honor Society advisor, and Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society advisor. Others remember him for keeping the beat going as a DJ for many school dances and weddings for former students and colleagues. A talented singer, Coggins often performed the national anthem at home athletic events.

“Tony embodied Broncho Pride on and off the field, and he is deeply missed in our hallways, athletic games and in everyday interactions across the Holly community,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “He served as a model for sportsmanship, generosity and civility for generations of our Bronchos, and demonstrated the critical role athletics play in a well-rounded education that prepares students for bright futures.”

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Learn more about Holly Area Schools by visiting www.hask12.org, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos courtesy of Holly High School student photographers Lauren Henry and Brooke Lawrence:

Holly Area Schools Athletic Director Casey Lombard embraces Tony Coggins’ mother, Jan Coggins, at the Feb. 2 Broncho Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Michigan Rep. Jasper Martus presents a State of Michigan signed declaration to the Coggins family in Tony Coggins’ memory.

The varsity boys basketball team and dance team prepare for one of the Broncho Hall of Fame games.

Voice of the Bronchos inducted into Broncho Hall of Fame