Don Holtby
Don Holtby was a Canadian professional football coach and executive who served as general manager of the Ottawa Rough Riders and president and head coach of the Ottawa Sooners.
Early life
Holtby was born on March 20, 1937, in Ottawa, Ontario. He attended High School of Commerce and was quarterback of the football team. He played five seasons of junior football and tried out for the Ottawa Rough Riders as a receiver and defensive back in 1958.Football
Ottawa Sooners
Holtby began his coaching career in 1961 as an assistant with the Ottawa Sooners. He served as the team's head coach from 1962 to 1964 and again from 1967 to 1970. He led the team to the Little Grey Cup national championship game in 1968 and 1969, but they lost to the Saskatoon Hilltops both times. He was the Sooners' president and from 1971 to 1980. During Holtby's tenure as president, the team reached the Little Grey Cup four times, winning twice.Ottawa Rough Riders
In 1964, Holtby became the Ottawa Rough Riders' co-ordinator of Canadian player development. He signed hundreds of Canadian players to the team, including Jeff Avery, Ian Beckstead, Rick Sowieta, Bob Stephen, and Mark Seale. During his 19 years as Canadian player development co-ordinator, the Rough Riders appeared in six Grey Cups, winning four. From 1974 to 1982, Holtby also served as the Rough Riders' radio colour commentator. In January 1983, Holtby was promoted to general manager following the resignation of Jake Dunlap. During his tenure, the Rough Riders amassed a 22-43-1 record. Allan Waters sold the Rough Riders after the 1986 season and Holtby resigned to work for Waters' radio station - CFRA.In 1990, Holtby was inducted into the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame.