Football to Honor Artis Holt '14 Saturday

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - The Merrimack College Football team will honor the life of former Captain, Artis Holt '14, before kickoff on Saturday as the Warriors welcome the Mayville State University Comets at 1 p.m. Artis tragically lost his life on February 22, 2019 in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. He was 27 years old.
 
Artis graduated Merrimack in the spring of 2014 with a degree in Sports Management. He spent his five years at Merrimack as a cornerback for the football team. After suffering an injury in his freshman season, Artis went on to become a four-year starter and return kicks and punts for the Warriors. He was named to the Northeast-10 All-Conference First Team squad a staggering three years in a row, in addition to being tabbed as a preseason All-American in 2012. Prior to the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Artis was voted a team captain by his teammates, an honor that Artis felt was far more important than any accolade he earned for his play. In 2013, Artis led the Warriors to the first win in program history against a Division 1 opponent with 8 tackles versus Wagner. In his final game of his illustrious career, Holt intercepted 3 passes, and returned one for a game-changing touchdown. He finished his career ranked 1^st in career pass breakups at Merrimack, 6^th in interceptions, 3^rd in interception return yards, an 7^th in unassisted tackles.
 
Artis played his best in big games. To his teammates, he was the epitome of what a "Merrimack Guy" is. He was diligent with his preparation, whether it be on the practice field, in the film room, or in the weight room. Holt led by example, but was not afraid to demand more from his teammates, who loved and respected him. He won them over with his unmatched competitiveness and relentless attitude. He was a perfect example of a loyal teammate, always putting the team before himself. Although his life was cut far too short, his legacy will last as long as Merrimack College is still playing football games on Saturdays. Artis was truly a one-of-a-kind person, and will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him.
 
Members of Artis' family will be in attendance on Saturday: his mother, Sherrea Lassiter, his brothers, Dawon "Mitch" Lassiter and Chance Mason, his cousin, Mance Walls, and his nephew, Davon Lassiter.