Steve Womack: “I thank Pat for his words. Yes, we have come a long way since the days when you played with leather helmets without face…”

“I thank Pat for his words. Yes, we have come a long way since the days when you played with leather helmets without face masks. There is little doubt that coaching a player who wins the Heisman Trophy is a distinction that few can claim. Rollo has coached two. The first was Matt Leinart, the 2001 graduate of Mater Dei whose playing career at the University of Southern California earned him college football's highest honor. I spoke with Matt ahead of this tribute, and he asked me to include these words into the Record in recognizing his former high school coach. Matt Leinart: As an athlete growing up, you have big dreams, and you can be only so lucky to have people that can help you reach those dreams. Coach Rollo had that impact in my life. He was not only a coach, but a mentor and a father figure. He has had a tremendous impact in my life in only ways that he knows. This past year has been one of the best of my life because I got to watch my 16-year-old son play for Mater Dei and play for my coach. As I watched Cole throw his first varsity touchdown pass, he walked off and hugged Rollo on the sideline. It was a full circle moment for me that I will always remember. Rollo is family and one of the greatest men I know. Thank you for teaching me the many life lessons that I have needed to grow into the man I am today. Love you Coach. Matt Leinart. But there was a second Heisman Trophy winner who followed, and I spoke of him earlier. Ms.…”