Sharing the same birthdate as Bob Zuppke, a man who would eventually succeed him as head coach of the Fighting Illini football team, Edgar Garrison Holt stands as the most successful Illinois mentor among men who coached for more than one season.
The tall, stocky native of Lawrence, Mass., born July 2, 1874, played college football at Princeton University from 1893-95. Holt played the tackle position and helped the Tigers win 29 of their 33 games, including an11-0 record in 1893.
He came to Champaign-Urbana in 1901 at the age of 27 and, with Justa Lindgren serving as his captain, Illinois posted shutouts in its first five games.