There are coaches who win games, and there are coaches who leave a permanent mark on a community. In Wynnewood, Jim Holloway was both, according to Wynnewood football alumni who gathered recently to honor the former Savages coach.
Holloway was the guest of honor at a May 23 reunion of former players, students, friends and family from the Wynnewood community who wanted to honor his years of dedication to the Wynnewood Savages football program.
“I wanted to get together while he was still healthy and able to attend,” said Jamie Williamson, who played under Holloway in the 1990s and helped organize the reunion. “Sadly, some people wait too long for a reunion, so I wanted to make sure we had it now.”
From 1979 to 1992, Holloway patrolled the sidelines for the Wynnewood Savages with a calm intensity that became his trademark. Over 13 seasons, he compiled an impressive 106-56 record while building a program defined not only by victories, but by discipline, pride and character.
Under Holloway’s leadership, Wynnewood captured three Class 2A State Championships in 1987, 1988 and 1991. His teams also finished as State Runner-Up in 1983 and advanced to six state semifinal appearances during his tenure.
But statistics only tell part of the story.
What separated Holloway from many successful coaches was his ability to shape young men far beyond Friday nights. His influence extended into future generations of Oklahoma football. Nine of his former players went on to become successful coaches themselves, carrying forward the lessons and leadership they learned under him at Wynnewood.
His teams were also rich in talent and preparation. Thirteen Savage players earned All-State honors during his years at the helm, while sixteen athletes advanced to play college football — an extraordinary accomplishment for a small-town program.
Former players often describe Holloway as demanding but deeply respected.
“He expected discipline, accountability and relentless effort, yet his players knew he believed in them,” Williamson said. “Practices were intense, preparation was detailed and every player understood that wearing the Savage uniform meant representing something bigger than themselves.”
Those values helped create a championship culture that became the foundation of Wynnewood football for years to come, according to Williamson.
The coaching profession also recognized Holloway’s impact. He was twice named Oklahoma Football Coach of the Year, honors that reflected both his competitive success and the respect he earned across the state. Later, his career achievements were permanently recognized with his induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
“Today, decades after his final season on the sidelines, Jim Holloway’s legacy remains woven into the identity of Wynnewood football. Championships, trophies and records matter, but his greatest accomplishment may be the generations of players and coaches who continue to reflect the lessons he taught,” Williamson said.
“For the people of Wynnewood, Coach Holloway was more than a football coach. He was the architect of a golden era, a mentor to countless young men and a legend whose impact still echoes beneath the Friday night lights.”
