Larry "Lud" Hrovat

Linebacker (1970-71)

Larry “Lud” Hrovat came from East Cleveland, Ohio, as the result of a heartfelt and trustworthy telephone call from Coach Jerry Cook, who Lud deeply respected at CCJC. Larry was quickly named “Lud” after John Tuttle saw Larry’s father’s name Ludwig on a CCJC registration form.

Organized football began in the first grade for Lud. He eventually became quarterback of the St. Wencelsas eighth grade team, and he helped his school win its first Cleveland, Ohio, CYO championship in 1966.

Lud received both Cleveland Press and Plain Dealer “Press Star” awards and numerous city-wide and All-Conference awards. He served as team captain at St. Peter Chanel High School in both football and track.

Lud co-captained the 1970-71 CCJC  teams along with Alonzo Adair in 1970 and Ed Lanier in 1971. Lud lead the team in solo tackles his freshman year with 85, and his sophomore year he recorded 131 solo tackles tying him for third place in CCJC all-time tackles. He received All-Conference awards both his freshman and sophomore years at CCJC and was a preseason All-American his sophomore year. Lud received the “Believer’s Award,” CCJC Most Valuable Player Award in 1971.

Above all the personal accolades remains the fact that the 1971 team turned the football program around, and a steadfast commitment was made to retain football at CCJC after struggling since 1969.

Lud found himself to be always a “Red Bird.” After the Chanel High Firebirds and the CCJC Red Ravens, his next choice was obvious. The University of Louisville Cardinals! After one meeting with ESPN Lee Corso, “the dust” fell on Lud, and he was convinced the University of Louisville was ready to win a championship. They did just that in 1973, as the University of Louisville won the Missouri Valley Conference Championship. Lud started as inside linebacker for two years, alongside All-Pro linebacker Tom Jackson, also of ESPN. The 1973 Cardinals finished 9-1 and was part of the number one ranked defense in the nation. Lud graduated in 1974 with a BS in Sociology.

Rev. Larry Hrovat is President of Faith of the Nations Ministry.  He and his wife Debbie (Woodroof) reside in Denver, Colorado, and are the proud parents of five children and seven grandchildren.