"One of the finest pitchers in Valpo history, Holmes was a workhorse on the mound. Ranking 1st on Valpo's all-time list in innings pitched and 2nd in wins, Holmes demonstrated the combination of success and durability. He finished his career with a 27-13 record, including a 6-1 mark in conference games. In the mid-1980s, he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the Association of Mid-Continent Universities (the current Mid-Continent Conference).

In 1987, Holmes enjoyed a spectacular season, earning AMCU Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-AMCU honors. The Crusaders' ace donned a 1.59 ERA that season – the second best in the nation among NCAA Division I schools. During that season, he compiled a 3-0 record in AMCU games and a 9-5 mark overall. Two years earlier as a sophomore, Holmes was named First Team All-AMCU after compiling a 10-3 record (3-1 AMCU).

His statistics have endured the test of time as he ranks 3rd on the Mid-Con's all-time list in wins (27), innings pitched (291 2/3) and complete games (23); 5th in games started (45); 12th in ERA (3.12), 14th in winning percentage (.675) and 18th in strikeouts (193). Holmes' strikeout total stands 8th on Valpo's all-time list.

After his junior year in 1986, he was drafted in the 35th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates and he played in the Pirates' minor league system for several seasons. Following his professional playing career, Holmes became Valpo's pitching coach, a post he held for 12 years.