Holwerda, Brad (2023)

Brad Holwerda is a 1987 graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School.  He was a three-sport athlete and earned seven varsity letters during his three years of high school.  He excelled in football, basketball, and track and field and was named the 1987 Eagle Award winner.   Brad has many fond memories of GRCH, including competing with classmates from a young age all the way through high school.  Brad has an appreciation for the wonderful coaching he received from men that really cared about their athletes.   

Brad was a tight end on the football team, a go-to receiver who earned All-City Honorable Mention his senior year. Known for his good hands and jumping ability, Brad caught passes from fellow Hall of Fame inductee Jim Timmer during his junior year and from Lance Buffinga his senior year.

During the winter season Brad was a key contributor on the basketball court.  His tenacious defense and rebounding skills helped the Eagles to many victories and earned him All-City Honorable Mention in a year where the City League was loaded with talent.   Two of the more memorable wins in his career came during tournament time over teams who were both ranked #1 at the time of the game.  In his junior year the Eagles took down the Catholic Central Cougars in a wild game at Rogers High School in the District Finals.   In his senior year he was tasked with defending Mr. Basketball, Matt Stegenga, against the South Christian Sailors at a sold-out Regional Final.  He frustrated Stegenga throughout the night with his in-your-face defense and the Eagles celebrated with a hard-fought win.  This is one of Brad’s best memories from his high school days.

In the spring season, Brad took flight as one of the elite high jumpers in the state while also competing in other track and field events for the Eagles.  Brad was the high jump champion of the John Bos Invitational Meet his senior year.  He set an area record by clearing 7 feet, earning him All-American honors.  Because he was involved in other events at that meet, he never got back to the jumping pit to attempt a higher mark.  Only six high school athletes in Michigan have ever jumped higher than Brad’s mark of 7 feet.   At the State Meet, Brad contributed in three relay events along with the high jump.  Because of the energy spent on those other events, Brad ended up “only” second in the State Meet.   Brad was named All-City, All-Region, All-State, and All-American, which helped earn him a scholarship to the University of Michigan.

At the University of Michigan, Brad was a two-time Big Ten runner-up in the high jump.  He was the Central Collegiate Champion and a four-year varsity letter winner.  His best jump was 7’ 2.25”.  He graduated in 1991 with a BA in Economics.

Brad is Vice President of Sales for Magic Steel.  He is married to Tara Holwerda and they have two children, Austyn and Brock.  Brad is very thankful for his parents, Dan and Laurie Holwerda, for not only their wonderful support through the years, but also for the sacrifices they made to send all four of their children to the Grand Rapids Christian Schools.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6