Long-suffering Gamecock fans take heart.

One of our own is to be honored Thursday.

President Trump will present College Football Hall of Famer Lou Holtz with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.

“America recognizes Lou Holtz as one of the greatest football coaches of all time for his unmatched accomplishments on the gridiron, but he is also a philanthropist, author, and true American patriot,” according to a  release from the White House.

“After growing up in a small town in West Virginia, Holtz attended Kent State University, becoming the 1st member of his family to enroll in college.

"At Kent State, Holtz played football, studied history and joined the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. For the next 7 years, he honorably served as an officer in the United States Army Reserves." Holtz began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Iowa before landing an assistant coaching job in SouthCarloina.

His 1st head-coaching job was at the College of William and Mary, leading the team to the Southern Conference Title and an appearance in the Tangerine Bowl.

Over the next 35 years, Holtz led successful college and professional football teams, including North Carolina State, University of Arkansas, New York Jets, University of Minnesota, and the University of South Carolina. His overall record is 249-132-7.

Holtz earned a 100-30-2 record in 11 seasons at the University of Notre Dame. His 1988 team earned a perfect 12-0 record and were crowned national champions. 

The former SC head coach has been named the National Coach of the Year 3 times.

Since his retirement from coaching, Holtz has published inspirational books and contributed to ESPN and CBS as a sports analyst.

He gives back through his charities, the Holtz Charitable Foundation and Holtz’s Heroes Foundation.

Holtz has been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Notre Dame, University of South Carolina, Trine University and Franciscan University of Steubenville.

“We’ve looked at Lou’s life, career and what he’s done for charity and football," the President said.

"Obviously he was a great coach, but what he’s done beyond even coaching. "