By By Austin Bishop/Special to The Star
April 6, 2001
Lamar School football standout Austin Holmes has announced that he will play football at Mississippi College next season.
Holmes, who played in the MPSA All-Star Football Game as a senior, said he chose to attend play for the NCAA Division III Choctaws, rather than try to walk on at a Division I or Division II school.
Holmes, who holds the Lamar school record with a 53-yard field goal, said that in the end, MC was simply the best fit for him as a football player and a student.
NCAA Division III schools are not allowed to give athletic scholarships.
Holmes was named Mr. Lamar High School and has a grade point average of 3.4
Holmes is also a standout on the golf team and led the MPSA in goals scored with 28 during his senior soccer season. As a youth, soccer appeared to be the sport most likely to dominate Holmes' future.
But then he found his true love.
He also gave credit to Lamar coach J.J. Plummer and special teams coach Chad Acton. "I just want to thank them for preparing me to play at the next level," he said.
Holmes said it took him a while to realize the impact the 53-yard field goal would have on his future.
Holmes also played running back and defensive back at Lamar, but said that he will strictly be a kicker at Mississippi College.