Jack Holl, a center forward for the Behrend men’s water polo team, has joined the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Student-Athlete Advocate Program, which supports injured veterans, first responders and their families.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In his senior season, Jack Holl, a center forward for the Penn State Behrend men’s water polo team and a two-time All-American, scored 66 goals. He led the team to its first-ever appearance in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) East Championship.
Holl, a business economics major from Greenwich, Connecticut, had 28 steals, seven blocks and three assists. He was named to the MPSF All-Tournament Team.
In May, he added another line to his stat sheet: By agreeing to represent the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports injured veterans, first responders and their families, Holl became the first Behrend student-athlete with a name, image and likeness contract.
“From a young age, my father instilled in me a profound respect for all first responders and members of our armed forces and emphasized the importance of supporting those who protect us,” Holl said. “I am proud to promote the important work of this organization.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided more than 1,500 mortgage-free and specially-adapted homes for the families of injured veterans and first responders. The organization sponsors a 104-floor stair climb at One World Trade Center and a 5K run and walk that begins at the Battery Tunnel.
Tunnel to Towers began as a tribute to New York firefighter Stephen Siller, who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Holl is one of 18 athletes in the foundation’s Student-Athlete Advocate Program. He joined to honor his father’s close friend John Daniel Marshall, one of six firefighters who died at the World Trade Center while serving with Engine Company 23.
Marshall was 35. He is survived by a wife and two children.
“He and my father were best friends, growing up,” Holl said. “His story, and everything he stood for, has always been part of my life. It’s been a daily reminder that we should always respect and be grateful for the work and sacrifice of all first responders.
“I’m proud to help spread that message,” he said.
Robb Frederick
Director of Strategic Communications, Penn State Behrend
Jill Yamma
Sports information director, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
