Holmgren’s daughter, wife off to the Congo

DETROIT – Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren’s wife, Kathy, and daughter, Calla, will miss Sunday’s Super Bowl, but they have a worthy excuse – and Holmgren’s utmost respect.

Calla, a doctor, made plans four months ago to go to the Congo on a 17-day humanitarian mission with Northwest Medical Teams. At the time, Holmgren suggested Kathy, who has a background in nursing, make the trip as well since she’d done missionary nursing work 35 years ago at the same location in the Congo.

Calla and Kathy depart Thursday.

“We didn’t even think about the dates being a problem,” Holmgren said. “I’m very proud of (Kathy) and she works very hard at a lot of things that are a lot more important than coaching a football game.”

Holmgren’s other three daughters, Jenny, Emily and Gretchen, will attend the game at Ford Field.

“I get to make a lot of decisions at work,” Holmgren mused. “I make none at home.”

Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher’s three daughters are expected to be on hand Sunday. All three have basketball games Saturday. Meagan Cowher is a sophomore at Princeton. Lauren and Lindsay play for Fox Chapel High in suburban Pittsburgh.

Jim Meehan, staff writer