Gross Catholic Alum Tom Van Haute Inducted into Hastings College Hall of Fame!
Gross Catholic High School is bursting with pride as Head Football Coach Tom Van Haute ‘08 receives a well-deserved honor: induction into the Hastings College Hall of Fame during a ceremony on September 27 in Hastings. This prestigious honor recognizes Van Haute’s outstanding achievements and the lasting impact he has made on the sport of football.
The Lasting Impact of Gross Catholic
Van Haute credits his experience at Gross Catholic High School for laying the foundation for his future success. As he expressed, “I feel truly honored to be inducted in the Hastings College Hall of Fame. I had an unbelievable experience at Hastings College as a player, student, and coach. It’s truly humbling to be recognized in this way.”
The coaches at Gross Catholic played a crucial role in shaping Van Haute’s character and instilling the values that have guided him throughout his career. As he shared, “We had great coaches here at Gross Catholic that truly impacted me as a person. I could learn and grow as a student-athlete playing three sports. Coach Tim Johnk, Coach Mike Dempsey, and Coach Mike Filipowicz helped instill discipline, accountability, and a strong work ethic. These traits helped me succeed at the next level.”
The lessons Van Haute learned at Gross Catholic went beyond just the game of football. As he explained, “They didn’t just coach the game, they taught me leadership, resilience, and how to handle adversity. Those lessons carried with me into college and helped me grow both on and off the field. That foundation set the stage for everything I was able to accomplish and inspired me to be a teacher and coach.”
Consistency: The Key to Success
One of the most valuable lessons Van Haute learned during his successful playing career was the importance of consistency. As he shared, “Showing up, doing the work every day, and holding yourself accountable really makes the difference. Setbacks are a part of life and it’s how you respond that sets you apart from the rest.”
Van Haute’s commitment to consistency paid off during his time at Hastings College, where he became a starter just four games into his college career as a right guard and later transitioned to left tackle midway through his sophomore season. His dedication and hard work earned him numerous accolades, including being named a First Team All-American in 2011, earning first-team All-Conference honors in 2010 and 2011, and receiving second-team All-Conference recognition in 2009.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Van Haute’s impressive achievements at the collegiate level have not only secured his place in the Hastings College Hall of Fame but have also inspired the next generation of student-athletes. As a head football coach, he continues to impart the valuable lessons he learned at Gross Catholic, ensuring that the legacy of excellence continues.
As Van Haute expressed, “Dux Esto!” (Latin for “Be a Leader!”) is a motto that he has embraced throughout his life, and it is a sentiment he strives to instill in his current players. By sharing his own experiences and emphasizing the importance of discipline, accountability, and resilience, Van Haute is shaping the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.
What You May Have Missed
- Chad Meyers Inducted into Nebraska Hall of Fame!
- Omaha’s Choice is Gross Catholic
- Unsung Hero: Herb Povondra
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About Gross Catholic High School
Gross Catholic, a co-educational, college preparatory high school, began its proud heritage of academic excellence rooted in the Marianist tradition in 1968. We consider ourselves one of the best Catholic schools in Omaha, Bellevue, and Papillion. The school motto Dux Esto (“Be a Leader”) is at the core of its extraordinary mission, innovative spirit, and fundamental values. The school offers a challenging environment and outstanding quality of life, both in academics and co-curricular activities, with a strong focus on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education. The spirit of Christian service and giving back is part of everything the school does. Gross Catholic’s top-tier status is reflected in its talented faculty, staff, and coaches who take great pride in seeing virtually every graduate head to college, often to the most prestigious domestic and international universities and service academies. Together with families and alumni, Gross Catholic forges relationships for a lifetime, helping to ready the next generation to be exemplary, principled leaders of the world.
To discover the Gross Catholic difference, contact us at 402.734.2000 or visit our Admissions page.