Feb. 6, 2010

Houston, TX - Texas Southern University athletics is mourning the loss of one of its longtime leaders. Senior associate athletics director Rick Holden died last night after a long battle with cancer. He was 61.

"The TSU athletics family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rick. He dedicated his life to the betterment of Texas Southern and the student-athletes. He will be deeply missed by all of those with ties to the athletics program," said TSU athletics director Charles McClelland.

Holden was a native of Jacksonville, Florida but he was born to be a TSU Tiger. He was a standout football player in the late 60's and early 70's. At one time or another, he was an assistant coach or head coach for nearly every sport TSU sponsored. He served as senior associate athletics director for 14 years.

Holden was the backbone of the athletics department for nearly two decades. In addition to his administrative duties in athletics, Holden was a professor in the department of health and kinesiology.

Holden touched many lives during his tenure at Texas Southern University, and he will be sorely missed.

He leaves behind his wife Tanya Lott Holden, two sons, Byron and Williams and a daughter, Teal.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.