On May 19, we honor the birthday of the late Brother Melchior Polowy, C.S.C., former wrestling coach and Holy Cross 2015 Hall of Fame inductee.
Between the time he organized the first wrestling team at Holy Cross in 1944 and his retirement from coaching in 1971, Brother Melchior led the Tigers to a 23-1 record in state championship meets. His Holy Cross team defeated Newman in the first wrestling dual meet reported in Louisiana. The New Orleans Athletic Club sponsored the state's first prep wrestling tournament, and the Tigers claimed their first state title. Other than in 1951, when Holy Cross did not compete, and in 1968, when East Jefferson edged Holy Cross by two points, the Tigers never lost a state meet under his direction. Brother Melchior passed away in 1997. The state wrestling championship trophies in each division bear his name.
Holy Cross accolades:
Brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross
Served as Holy Cross Athletic Director
Head Wrestling Coach from 1944-1971, winning 23 State Team Titles
Holy Cross accolades:
Brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross
Served as Holy Cross Athletic Director
Head Wrestling Coach from 1944-1971, winning 23 State Team Titles