Festus R6 School District

“I was floored.”  That was the reaction Robert “Bob” Hollmann, or “Coach” as most students called him, had upon learning he had been selected to be the first recipient of the Festus R-VI Distinguished Service Award.  Hollmann began his career in the Festus R-VI School District in the Fall of 1966.  Fresh from a student teaching position in De Soto, Hollmann’s first job was the Junior High School Physical Education teacher at Festus.  He also joined the football coaching staff of Coach Bill Priday.  But after three years on the staff, Priday left Festus, and Mr. Hollmann became the Head Coach of the 9th grade football team.

In 1979, Hollmann moved up to be the Head Football coach of the Festus Tigers and to the high school as physical education teacher.  From 1979 to 1994 Hollmann accumulated a record of 132-39, a .771 winning percentage.   During his time as head coach, Hollmann’s teams made three state final four appearances.   “I asked athletes to come to practice, work hard, know what’s right and what’s wrong,” he said.

In 1993, Hollmann became the District athletics director.  For two years he pulled double-duty, serving as A.D. and head football coach.  But after the 1994 season, Hollmann became the full-time Activities & Athletics Director for the Festus R-VI School District, a job he held until his retirement in 2000.  

In all, Hollmann spent 34 years as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Festus R-VI School District.  During that time, he encountered thousands of students, mentoring hundreds of football players who represented the Tigers on the field.  “As the football coach, he commanded the total respect of every player on the team,” said one former player.  “His ability to lead and garner results is still unmatched.”  He goes on to say, “He taught us all a lesson on self-esteem; and worked hard to make everyone believe in themselves.  This is probably one of the biggest things I think coach did for kids.”

Former administrators also praise Hollman for his work.  “I always found Mr. Hollmann working for the best interest of students.  Students felt comfortable in conversation with him.  His many years of extra time and effort were unmatched.  He became a part of the district’s identity.”  Hollmann says he will always be a Tiger.  “I have Tiger blood in me.  I always brag about Festus.  I think Festus has always tried to do things the right way.  We have the best test scores, best students, some of the best facilities, and the lowest tax rate.  We must be doing something right.”

Because of his 34 years of service to the students of the Festus R-VI School District and his lasting impact on the lives of the students he encountered, the Festus R-VI School District is proud to present the first Distinguished Service Award to Robert “Bob” Hollmann.  “I’m honored & humbled.  I’m just a guy who showed up here with a lesson plan book. The next thing you know, I spent 34 years here.”