Owasso Community Remembers Teacher And Coach Steve Holleman

Many people in Owasso are remembering a longtime teacher and assistant baseball coach who died last week. They say Steve Holleman’s legacy will not be forgotten.

Holleman coached alongside Larry Turner for more than 40 years in Owasso. The two went from college roommates to coaching the Rams to 11 state titles before Holleman’s retirement in 2021.

“It was like having the little guy on my shoulder that was always the reason in my ear to make sure we were doing the right thing,” said Holleman. “He was just great at that.”

Turner says he and Holleman had a special bond.

“We could just look across the diamond at each other, I could think first base, he would know what I was thinking or whatever without there being a word or some kind of gesture or something,” said Turner.

Coach Turner says his right-hand man was known throughout the community for his relationships with people. Winning games was important, but their goal was building character.

“I guess the thing that we appreciate more than anything was seeing kids grow into husbands and good fathers,” said Turner.

Included on the wall of honor next to Coach Holleman’s name is Zach Duffield, who now works as Owasso’s athletics director.

“You hate to use the word boss on somebody like Steve because he was pretty much telling me what to do a lot of the times,” said Duffield. “He was just a lot of fun to work with. Even after he retired, he still helped us run the ball games.”

Duffield says Holleman played a big role in the district, always willing to help students, teachers, and other coaches.

“He was the epitome of what it means to do things right, with class and integrity,” said Duffield. “I think his fingerprints are all over Owasso Public Schools. Kids that have come through, teachers, just the way that we do things.”

Holleman is survived by his son, Ryan, and wife, Betty, who was a longtime music teacher in Owasso. Holleman’s funeral is planned for Saturday morning at Owasso’s First Baptist Church.