University of Richmond Athletics
Gustus, Giles Named Atlantic 10 Players of the Week
12/28/2000 | Football
Sept. 17, 2000
RICHMOND, Va. - University of Richmond junior quarterback Sean Gustus and junior defensive back David Giles were recognized as Players of the Week in the Atlantic 10 for their contributions in the Spiders' 31-24 upset win over third-ranked Massachusetts.
Gustus was named co-Offensive Player of the Week along with senior running back Craig Cummings of Delaware. A native of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and a graduate of DeMatha High School, Gustus carried 20 times against the Minutemen for 119 yards and one touchdown. It was his first collegiate 100-yard game. His rushing touchdown came on a 25-yard run to cap Richmond's opening drive. Gustus was 6-11 passing for 173 yards and two scores, a pair of long touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. With the Spiders trailing 21-17, Gustus hit junior receiver Ryan Tolhurst with a 69-yard scoring strike to put Richmond ahead 24-21 early in the final period. After Massachusetts tied the game at 24-24, Gustus again connected with Tolhurst, this time on a 56-yard touchdown toss with2:27 remaining to give the Spiders the win.Gustus leads the Spiders in rushing this season, averaging 87.0 yards per game on the ground. He is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has scored three touchdowns this fall.
Giles led Richmond with 11 tackles in being named Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Week. A native of Dunn, North Carolina, and a graduate of Triton High School, Giles had six unassisted tackles and five assists. He snagged an interception in the third quarter that he returned 15 yards to the Massachusetts 28-yard line. It came with the Spiders trailing 21-10 and set up Richmond'ssecond touchdown of the game. Giles leads the Spiders in tackles this season with 21. He has 12 unassisted tackles and one tackle for loss. Giles has one interception and one pass breakup.
Richmond, under head coach Jim Reid, is 2-1 overall this season and 1-0 in the Atlantic 10. Richmond has wins over Bucknell and Massachusetts and a loss at I-A Virginia. The Spiders are off this Saturday and return to action on Saturday, September 30, at I-A Arkansas State.
