University of Massachusets Athletics
Holmes Claims New England Gold Helmet
November 10, 2010 | Football
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Massachusetts linebacker Tyler Holmes and Springfield quarterback Austin Bateman received the New England Football Writers' Gridiron Club of Greater Boston Gold Helmet Awards for week ten of the 2010 football season.
Holmes, a junior from Blacksburg, Va., returned two interceptions for touchdowns in No. 15 UMass's 39-24 victory over Maine. Holmes returned interceptions from 18 and 50 yards for the scores. Holmes also added six tackles in the game. The two pick-sixes were the first time in all of Division I (FBS and FCS) this season that feat has been accomplished. It is the first time since 2004 a FCS player returned two interception for touchdowns when Southeast Missouri State's Kellin White did it. Holmes is the first player in UMass history to score on two interceptions and the third player CAA history to accomplish the spectacular feat. The Gold Helmet is one of many awards that Holmes has garnered this week. Holmes was named the National Defensive Player of the Week and National Linebacker of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards, the Sports Network National Defensive Player of the Week and the CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week. It is the second straight week that Holmes was recognized by the CAA for Defensive Player of the Week and the third time this season. Holmes is also a Buck Buchanan Award candidate at the top defensive player in FCS.
Bateman, a freshman from Gansevoort, N.Y., rushed for three touchdowns and threw for another in Springfield's 55-49 victory over St. John Fisher. Bateman led the Pride with 237 yards rushing on 37 carries. Bateman's first touchdown came as he completed a 21-yard pass to Mark Safer, giving Springfield a 14-7 lead. Bateman added his second score on a 9-yard run at the end of the first quarter extending the Springfield lead to 21-7. With 9:26 left in the second quarter, Bateman sprinted in from 13-yards out for his second rushing score. Bateman put the Pride up 35-21 before halftime on a 33-yard rushing score. Springfield rushed 88 times in the game, but Bateman did complete five of six passing attempts for 67 yards. Bateman was responsible for 304 of Springfield's 496 total yards in the game.
