(02-08-2017 03:22 PM)EmeryZach Wrote:  Sad news in the UMass Football family. One of our 2016 captains has passed away.

Michael Boland, OL, died suddenly this past Saturday at his family home in Maryland.

Press Release from UMass:

Quote:AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts football alum Michael Boland passed away suddenly at his home in Maryland on February 4.

"We are extremely saddened by Michael's passing and send our heartfelt condolences to the Boland family," Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford said. "Michael was a special young man whose considerable success in the classroom, in competition and in the community positively influenced our football program and this University."

A four-year letterwinner and team captain, he earned All-Independent honors as a senior following the 2016 season. Boland played in 43 career games and started 32 of his final 36 contests at right guard.

"Michael was a very special person," Head Coach Mark Whipple said. "He was an offensive captain and a role model for the young people on our football team, on the field and in the classroom."

Boland is survived by his mother and father, Pamela and Michael, Sr.; brother, Kelsey; and sisters, Brooke and Maggie. The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 10, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church (9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, MD 20854). The Memorial Mass will follow at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael M. Boland, Jr. Scholarship Fund at Georgetown Preparatory School (10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852).

http://www.umassathletics.com/news/2017/...nd-16.aspx

UMass also made a beautiful video tribute.