SPOKANE, Wash. — Bill Kollar has quickly become accustomed to hall of fame accolades. The former Montana State football star was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame last year. This past Saturday at the Northern Quest Casino and Resort, he graciously accepted his induction into the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Kollar shared prior to the Big Sky Conference induction dinner. “To receive such recognition back to back like this is truly remarkable.”
“It’s a tremendous honor and I am extremely grateful for it,” he added.
Greg Rachac / MTN Sports
Kollar was among the eight individuals inducted into the Big Sky’s third hall of fame class. Others included his former coach, the late MSU legend Sonny Holland, and esteemed Montana football coach Don Read, who passed away in January.
The remaining inductees were Natalie Doma (Idaho State, women’s basketball), Lindsay Haupt (Sacramento State, volleyball), Orlando Lightfoot (Idaho, men’s basketball), Erik Meyer (Eastern Washington, football), and coach Dick Motta (Weber State, men’s basketball).
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the annual Big Sky Kickoff media event, which extends through Monday at the Northern Quest.
Holland, a former defensive lineman, was an integral part of the Bobcats football team from 1971-73. Kollar, an esteemed player, was named first-team All-Big Sky for three consecutive years and also earned first-team All-American recognition in 1973.
As Holland, Read, and others were posthumously inducted, the event paid tribute to their enduring legacies. Read’s notable coaching achievements with Montana and Holland’s success with Montana State were celebrated.
Greg Rachac / MTN Sports
Read’s impressive coaching tenure at Montana, including a national championship in 1995, and Holland’s leadership at Montana State were highlighted. They both left an indelible mark on their respective programs and the sport of football.
Reflecting on his own journey and the shared honor with Holland, Kollar expressed his gratitude and admiration for his former coach.
“It’s a special feeling to be inducted alongside coach Holland, who was not just a great coach but a remarkable person as well,” Kollar remarked. “I believe he would have been incredibly proud of this moment.”
