Hall of Fame Reflections: Kevin Garvey '85

On November 18, 2023, six alumni will be formally inducted to the Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Kevin Garvey was a standout offensive lineman for the Crusader football team from 1981-1984. A fierce competitor who made everyone around him better, he started every game at right guard for the 1983 team that won the Lambert Cup, advanced the NCAA Division I-AA quarterfinals and finished the season ranked No. 3 in the nation. Garvey went on to earn first team All-America, first team All-ECAC and first team All-New England honors during his senior year in 1984. He helped lead the team to an overall mark of 31-13-1 during his collegiate career, with Holy Cross posting a winning record in each of his four seasons. Garvey recently reflected on his time at Holy Cross. 

Q: You started every game at right guard for the 1983 team that won the Lambert Cup, advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA quarterfinals and finished the season ranked No. 3 in the nation. Tell us more about what set that team apart, and what it was like to be part of one of the most successful teams in school history.

The 1983 team was special. We had great leadership from the senior and junior classes. Guys like Harry Flaherty and Pete Muldoon set the tone. That team also had the best player (in my opinion) to ever play for HC (Bruce Kozerski). There was so much talent on that team, but no big egos. That’s a rare combination!  

My starting had more to do with Matt Martin being hurt, but it was an honor to be able to make a contribution to a team of that caliber.

Q: What is your favorite memory from your time playing at Holy Cross?

My favorite memory is the four-hour bus ride home senior year after our upset win at Colgate. The 1984 team didn’t have the talent of the 1983 team, but we were resilient. The Colgate win put us on the map. There are few experiences better than a prolonged savoring of a huge accomplishment with your teammates. 
 

Q: Tell us about where you are now — how did Holy Cross prepare you for your career?

My wife and I live in Chicago. We have three grown children, all of whom are either married or engaged.  

I run our family’s office products distribution company. My time at Holy Cross (both on and off the field) taught me that success depends on teamwork and lasting relationships. When you go to market with a great team, you will win way more than you lose.  

Q: What would you say to your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. It’s OK if you fail. It will make you a better person in the long run.

Q: Why do you love Holy Cross?

People answer this question saying, “I love XXXXX because of the friends I made."  I would have made friends at any school that I attended. The reason I love Holy Cross is that my friends made me (and continue to make me) a better person.  Trust me, they still have a lot of work to do, but my Holy Cross friends are some of the best people I have ever met.  

Q: Do you have a message to the future generations of Crusaders?

Beat BC!!!  (Just kidding.)  

Lock your phone somewhere safe and spend your time getting to know your classmates, teachers, and the Holy Cross community face to face. The experience will make you a better person.
 

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