Sports stats



Extreme nominates Holman for \'UIF Man of Year' award

July 19, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Bloomington Extreme News Release


It's hard to imagine Quince Holman not happy and without a smile on his face.

The fun-loving, laid-back defensive lineman for the Bloomington Extreme breaks out in his gapped-tooth smile more often than not, whether its after sacking a quarterback or stopping an opposing running back at the line of scrimmage on a fourth down-and-one play or talking with youngsters at a YWCA Day Camp.

But that wasn't always the case for the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Holman when he was growing up as the product of a broken home.

"My mom has pictures of me when I was 9 or 10 and I always had a frown on my face," said Holman, who is the Extreme's nomination for the United Indoor Football League's Man of the Year Award which recognizes a player's contribution to the community and strong sportsmanship on the field.

Holman has been among a number of good-will ambassadors representing the Extreme at various community functions in Bloomington-Normal this year.

He has been a fixture at fan gatherings following games at U.S. Cellular Coliseum, at community "Meet and Greets" and at activities that involve youth whether it's a YWCA Day Camp or a Big Brothers/Big Sisters event.

Holman particularly enjoys spending time with kids, signing autographs for them and answering their questions.

"I like doing community things and being with kids," said Holman. "I see a lot of myself in them at that age. And I feel like I can relate to kids, especially the ones from broken homes because I know how I felt when my parents split."

Holman's parents divorced when he was 10 and his mother moved Quince and brother, Quinton, with her from Texas to Illinois.

"When you're young you always want your parents to stay together," said Holman, who talked about his experience with a camp counselor at the YWCA Day Camp recently. "It's hard on those kids because you expect your parents to be together for the rest of your life.

"When we moved from Texas to Illinois, I left all my friends and family. It seemed like I had nobody and, at that age (10), that's when you need friends and family the most when you're growing up.

"When I meet kids today I just try to be friendly and talk with them and try to understand where they are coming from. It's hard for some of them."

Extreme coach Ted Schmitz classifies Holman as a "big, old loveable teddy bear."

"Quince has such a laid-back demeanor off the field that if it wasn't for his size you wouldn't know he played football," said Schmitz. "He's a very good teammate and very well respected in the locker room.

"He will do anything we ask of him to promote the Extreme in the community and around the UIF. And he's a pretty darn good football player too."

• Discuss this story on the United Indoor Football Association message board...

United Indoor Football Association Stories from July 19, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central