Member Biography

Born on July 15, 1893, in Hollister, California, Babe Hollingbery is said by many to have coached Washington State to its greatest football era, spanning the years 1926 to 1942. Hollingbery was a graduate of the "School of Hard Knocks"; that is, he never attended college. Hollingbery led the Cougars to several winning seasons, suffering only two losing campaigns. He guided the Crimson and Gray to their first Pacific Coast Conference Championship in over 40 years. Against tough competition from both Pacific and national foes, Hollingbery led WSU to an overall record of 93-53-14 during his career. Hollingbery was head coach of the West in the first Shrine East-West All-Star Game Dec. 26, 1925. He served on the West Staff, either as head coach or assistant, for the first 18 Shrine games, lasting through Jan. 1, 1943. He said the outstanding thing about the players was their contribution to charity. Proceeds of the game go to the Shrine Hospital for crippled children. Some of the great players Hollingbery coached in this game were Brick Muller, Turk Edwards, Rags Matthews, and George Sauer.