Feb. 11, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford football coach Bill Gray announced the hiring of former Samford standout wide receiver Aryvia Holmes. Holmes will hold the position of Graduate Assistant and will be responsible for coaching the running backs.

"We are very excited to have Aryvia on our staff and we look forward to him being a leader to the players," Gray said. "There is no question that he will do an outstanding job as a coach. His work ethic is second to none and we are glad that he chose Samford to seriously begin his coaching career."

Holmes is Samford career leader in receiving yards with 2,955 and career receptions, 220. He ranks second in school history behind current Bulldog Efrem Hill in single-season catches, 74, receptions in a game, 12 and receiving yards in a single-season, 1,158. He played at Samford from 1999-2002.

"It is always great to have a Samford graduate on the staff, because he will be a walking example to the players of what you can accomplish after four or five years," Gray said.

Prior to joining the Bulldog staff, Holmes spent time playing in the in the Arena Football League with the Birmingham Steeldogs as well as a volunteer assistant coach for Miles College.