Dan Lengieza (a.k.a. “Coach Rudi”) is an alum of the former St. Jerome High School in Holyoke where he ran track. After graduating in 1959, served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years and ran for them as well. Upon completing his service, Lengieza began coaching track for the newly created Holyoke Catholic High School in the spring of 1964. In addition to coaching the boys’ teams, Lengieza was instrumental in establishing the girls Cross-Country team at HC in 1978. With Lengieza’s support, the girls' team grew in size, and HC soon established a strong cross-country tradition of producing great teams. Lengieza continued to coach both the boys and girls teams until the early 80’s when another HC alum took over coaching duties for the girls. Lengieza is a long-time member of the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association which recognized him with induction into the MSTCA Hall of Fame in 2008. A wonderful story about Lengieza’s dedication to coaching was spotlighted in the Diocese of Springfield’s weekly show, Real to Reel, and was broadcast in October 2010. In 2011, Lengieza was honored as an inductee to the Holyoke Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame. With over 50 years of coaching experience, Lengieza now enjoys coaching the next generation of HC athletes to greatness.
Inducted: 2008