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AMCATS add former pro to coaching staff
 Sinagra coached at D-I level for over 16 years
PAXTON, Mass. – Anna Maria College has announced the addition of Vince Sinagra as Defensive Coordinator for the AMC Football Program. Coach Sinagra is a former professional, having spent time playing in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the World Football League (WFL), and has over three decades of coaching experience.
“I am very excited to have Vince Sinagra join the AMCAT football family”, says AMC Head Coach Marc Klaiman. “To be able to hire someone with Vince’s experience is very important to the College as we grow our young program.”
Sinagra has had a long history of success during his 30-plus years of coaching, including 16 years at the Division I level with schools such as Stony Brook, Virginia Military Institute, Holy Cross, Hofstra, Fordham, and Norfolk State. As the Defensive Coordinator at Bloomsberg University, Coach Sinagra led a unit that was ranked number two in the nation among Division II teams. Most recently, he was the Linebackers Coach for a defense at Division I Norfolk State University that was ranked fifth nationally. During his coaching career he has had the pleasure of instructing some extremely talented players, including former New York Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet.
As a player, Sinagra was a standout offensive and defensive tackle at New Utrecht High School in New York, receiving numerous honors, including being selected to the Daily News All-City Team, the All-Metropolitan Team, the Brooklyn Big-44 Team, and the Schoolboy All-American Team.
He earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, where he was a four-year varsity starter at defensive tackle. Sinagra was named Team MVP during his senior season and had the opportunity to play against the Air Force All-Stars in the “Turkey Bowl” held in Frankfurt, Germany.
After his collegiate career concluded, Sinagra turned pro, joining the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League as a defensive tackle/end. Following his time in the WFL, Sinagra moved on to the Canadian Football League as a member of the Toronto Argonauts, where he finished out his playing career.
Coach Sinagra will join the second-year AMCATS, as the team prepares for its first season as an official member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference. His invaluable experience and knowledge of the game make him a perfect fit for the young AMCATS, whose 2009 roster was comprised of nearly all freshmen. As Head Coach Marc Klaiman expressed, “Coach Sinagra will be a great mentor to our young players and coaches.” |
Klaiman helps charity surpass $1 million mark
 Klaiman has volunteered at the camp since '04
EASTON, Pa. (June 8, 2010) – Nearly 1,700 high school football players attended the seventh annual Lauren’s First and Goal Football Camp at Lafayette College on Sunday, June 6, and donated more than $67,000 to Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation for pediatric brain tumor research, cancer services and family support.
For the year, the foundation has received more than $213,000 in donations, including a $100,000 commitment from the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration. With the proceeds from the camp, the foundation has raised more than $1 million since its creation in 2004.
“The success of this camp would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers and coaches and the unwavering support of Lafayette College,” said John Loose, who created Lauren’s First and Goal in honor of his 13-year-old daughter Lauren, a pediatric brain tumor survivor. “It is their dedication to this event that allows us to continue funding the search for a cure and to help families who battle this disease every day.”
Anna Maria College Head Coach Marc Klaiman, who worked with Loose during the 1991 season at the US Coast Guard Academy, has volunteered at the camp for all seven years of its existence. "It's a very special program for me", says Coach Klaiman.
The Lauren’s First and Goal Football Camp welcomed high school student-athletes from 15 different states and Canada, who received offensive and defensive instruction from more than 250 volunteer coaches representing colleges and universities across the nation. In addition, U.S. Naval Academy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo was the featured guest speaker and addressed the campers over lunch. Niumatalolo talked about the four quarters of life and the importance of showing gratitude, making good decisions and being selfless.
Along with the Pennsylvania camp, the foundation will be hosting another one-day event at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio on Sunday, June 27. The camps raise money through a $30 registration fee for each student-athlete as well as non-camper donations. Of every dollar received, the foundation donates 90 cents toward research, services, family support and awareness of pediatric brain tumors and cancer.
More information about the camps and the foundation is available at www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.
Release Courtesy of Ali Wenger |
AMCATS honor athletes at first AMC Football Banquet
PAXTON, Mass. – Freshmen Domenique Concepcion (Middlebury, Conn.), Jamal Mitchell (Shelton, Conn.), Marcus Sinanan (New York, N.Y.), and sophomore Richard Brandt (Natick, Mass.) were each honored with awards as announced by Head Coach Marc Klaiman at Anna Maria College’s inaugural Football Banquet on Sunday.
Concepcion was presented with the AMC Offensive Player of the Year Award as the AMCATS’ top wide receiver. The freshman led AMC in receptions (29), receiving yards (432), and receiving touchdowns (3). He averaged 14.9 yards per catch for a team-high 48.0 receiving yards per game. His season highlights include catching the first touchdown reception in program history during AMC’s opening game versus Castleton State, and also grabbing five passes for an AMC-record 78 yards and a touchdown versus Fitchburg State. He was elected as a member of the Worcester Area Football Association’s 19th Annual All-Star Team as well as a member of the 2009 All-ECFC Second Team.
Starting linebacker Richard Brandt was named as the recipient of the AMC Defensive Player of the Year Award after leading the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference with an average of 9.9 tackles per game. Brandt had six games with double-digit tackles and finished the season with a team-best 89 stops on the year. Perhaps his best game of the season came versus Malone in which he made 19 tackles while also forcing a fumble and grabbing an interception. Brandt was selected as a member of the 2009 WAFA All-Star Team as well as a member of the 2009 All-ECFC Second Team.
Freshman Marcus Sinanan was honored with the AMC Lineman of the Year Award after giving the AMCATS a strong interior presence on the defensive line this season. Sinanan helped clog the gaps for the AMCATS and led all AMC defensive lineman with 24 tackles on the year. One of his best performances came against Malone when he made four solo tackles while also adding a sack.
Kicker Jamal Mitchell was named the AMC Special Teams MVP after a fine freshman campaign. He had a flawless season, making all 14 kicks he attempted on the year. He was a perfect 13-for-13 on extra point attempts and was good from 29-yards out on his only field goal try. He also handled the kick-off duties for AMC, averaging 44.3 yards per attempt. For his outstanding year, Mitchell was named to the 2009 All-ECFC First Team. |
Kelly named to ECFC All-Academic Team
 Kelly led AMC with 21.2 yards per reception
ECFC All-Academic Team
PAXTON, Mass. - Anna Maria College junior Matt Kelly (Charlestown, R.I.) was selected as a member of the 2009 Eastern Collegiate Football Conference All-Academic Team, as announced by Conference Commissioner Julie Muller on Wednesday afternoon.
Kelly is one of only 19 student-athletes to receive the honor this season. In order to be eligible for the ECFC All-Academic Team an athlete must have reached sophomore academic standing with a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.50.
As a Sports Management/Business major and a wide receiver for the first-year AMCATS, Matt was able to excel both on and off the field. He had five receptions for 106 yards on the year, including the longest pass-play of the season for AMC; a 47-yard grab versus Husson University on September 19th, 2009. He also led the AMCATS by averaging an impressive 21.2 yards per reception. |
Brandt, Adames, and Concepcion named WAFA All-Stars
 AMC was honored with three WAFA All-Stars
WAFA All-Stars
PAXTON, Mass. – Upon completing their inaugural season, the Anna Maria College football team had three players selected as members of the 2009 Worcester Area Football Association’s 19th Annual All-Star Team on Friday. Freshman tailback Nate Adames (Salem, N.H.), sophomore linebacker Richard Brandt (Natick, Mass.) and freshman wide receiver Domenique Concepcion (Middlebury, Conn.) were each named to the WAFA All-Stars Second Team at their respective positions.
Starting tailback Nate Adames led the team in scoring, rushing, and total offense during his freshman campaign. He finished the year with 632 rushing yards and a team-best four touchdowns, adding 12 receptions as well. He had four 100+ rushing yard performances this season, including a 151-yard effort versus Castleton State in which he added three receptions for 31 yards and two scores. This performance led to his selection as the ECFC Offensive Player of the Week on October 19th, making him the first AMCAT in the program’s short history to earn a conference award.
Linebacker Richard Brandt led the ECFC in tackling this year, averaging 9.9 tackles per game. He finished the season with a team-high 89 stops, while also grabbing two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He had double-digit tackles in six of AMC’s nine contests this year, including a 19-tackle performance versus Malone in which he also intercepted a pass and forced a fumble.
Leading wide receiver Domenique Concepcion paced the AMCATS with 29 catches and 432 receiving yards this season. He also had a team-high three touchdown catches on the year and finished third in the conference in both catches per game (3.7) and receiving yards per game (48.0). Concepcion had at least one catch in every game this year, including five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown versus Fitchburg State. |
Four AMCATS elected to the 2009 All-ECFC Team
2009 ECFC Season Awards
PAXTON, Mass. – Upon completing their inaugural season, the Anna Maria College football team had four players earn a spot on the 2009 All-Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Team. Freshman Jamal Mitchell (Shelton, Conn.) earned All-ECFC First Team honors while sophomore Richard Brandt (Natick, Mass.), and freshmen Nate Adames (Salem, N.H.), and Domenique Concepcion (Middlebury, Conn.) were each selected to the All-ECFC Second Team.
Kicker Jamal Mitchell had a flawless freshman season, making all fourteen kicks he attempted on the year. He was a perfect 13-for-13 on extra point attempts and was good from 29 yards out on his only field goal try. He also handled the kick-off duties for AMC, averaging 44.3 yards per attempt.
Linebacker Richard Brandt led the ECFC in tackling this year, averaging 9.9 tackles per game. He finished the season with a team-high 89 stops, while also grabbing two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He had double-digit tackles in six of AMC’s nine contests this year, including a 19-tackle performance versus Malone in which he also intercepted a pass and forced a fumble.
Starting tailback Nate Adames led the team in scoring, rushing, and total offense during his freshman campaign. He finished the year with 632 rushing yards for a team-best four touchdowns, adding 12 receptions as well. He had four 100+ rushing yard performances this season, including a 151-yard effort versus Castleton State in which he added three receptions for 31 yards and two scores. This performance led to his selection as the ECFC Offensive Player of the Week on October 19th, making him the first AMCAT in the program’s short history to earn a conference award.
Leading wide receiver Domenique Concepcion paced the AMCATS with 29 catches and 432 receiving yards this season. He also had a team-high three touchdown catches on the year and finished third in the conference in both catches per game (3.7) and receiving yards per game (48.0). Concepcion had at least one catch in every single game this year, including five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown versus Fitchburg State.
These four players are part of a solid foundation that the program will look to build upon in the future as the team continues to grow. |
Hayes helps Bison stampede past AMCATS, 56-7
 Simone scored AMC's lone touchdown
Box Score
PAXTON, Mass. – The Gallaudet University football team defeated the Anna Maria AMCATS, 56-7, on Saturday afternoon during the AMC Football program’s first-ever Senior Day at AMCAT Field. The Bison used eight combined touchdowns from Phillip Hayes and Michael Gimelli and 521 total rushing yards to improve to 5-4 on the year. With the loss, the AMCATS finish 0-9 in their inaugural season.
Before the game, Anna Maria celebrated Matt Cantwell (Worcester, Mass.) and Daniel Conaghan’s (Hubbardston, Mass.) contributions to the first-year program. Cantwell was named the first captain in program history, while both players were instrumental on and off the field for the program.
The AMCATS won the opening coin-toss and deferred to receive until the second half. Gallaudet started the drive in Anna Maria territory after a 33-yard return by Phillip Hayes (Baton Rouge, La.) which landed the Bison on the Anna Maria 46. On the fourth play of the drive, Hayes took a pitch outside and darted 29 yards into the end zone to give the visitors a quick 7-0 advantage.
The AMCATS were forced to punt after a quick 3 and out on their opening drive.
Just minutes later, Hayes took an option pitch from quarterback Jimmy Gardner (St. Augustine, Fla.) and dashed through the hole for a 49-yard score. After a muffed snap, the two-point conversion rush was stuffed by Kevin Fitzpatrick (Oxford Mass.) and Rich Brandt (Natick, Mass.), holding the Bison lead to 13-0.
Gallaudet forced Anna Maria to punt again on their next possession and then scored its third consecutive touchdown to open the game. Fullback Michael Gimeli (Deerpark, N.Y.) gave the Bison a 19-0 lead after a 4-yard plunge. Cole Johnson’s (Edina, Minn.) successful two-point conversion pitch to the outside increased the Bison lead to 21-0.
Anna Maria’s best opportunity in the half came after Rich Brandt landed on a fumble during a botched punt return, giving the AMCATS the ball on the Gallaudet 27-yard line. Faced with a fourth-and-goal on the Gallaudet five yard line, Anna Maria elected to go for the touchdown. Sean Quinlivan’s (Rutland, Mass.) pass intended for Devon Nixon (Lowell, Mass.) fell incomplete and the AMCATS turned the ball over on downs.
Michael Gimeli scored his second touchdown of the game with under 1:30 remaining in the half, putting Gallaudet up 28-0 going into intermission.
Gallaudet finished with 294 yards of offense in the half, while Anna Maria could only muster 24 total yards. Both Michael Gimeli and Phillip Hayes broke the century mark rushing in the first half, with both compiling two touchdowns and averaging over eight yards per carry.
The Bison picked up right where they left off, scoring on their first possession of the second half. Phillip Hayes appeared destined for a big loss, but eluded several Anna Maria defenders near the side line en-route to an impressive 49-yard touchdown scamper.
Anna Maria responded with an eight-minute, 16 -play touchdown drive that spanned 68 yards. Nate Adames (Salem, N.H.) rushed for 24 yards during the possession, while Santino Simone (Worcester, Mass.) capped the drive with a four-yard quarterback keeper into the end zone.
Gallaudet added three more unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter. It started with a 10-yard rumble by Michael Gimelli for his third touchdown of the afternoon, which was followed by two more touchdown runs by Hayes of 9 yards and 52 yards, giving him five touchdowns on the afternoon.
Gallaudet finished the game with 521 yards of total offense, all of which came on the ground, while Anna Maria finished with 123 total yards.
Phillip Hayes paced the Bison, rushing 11 times for 214 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 19.5 yards per carry. Michael Gimelli also had a fine day with 143 yards and three touchdowns for Gallaudet, while Santino Simone (63 passing yards), scored the lone AMCAT touchdown.
Press Release Courtesy of Jeffrey S. Lander for AMC Sports Information
Picture Courtesy of David Sheridan for AMC Sports Information |
Cadets blank AMCATS in the rain, 48-0
 Brigham had a game-high 13 tackles
Box Score
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Freshman RB Orwin Etkins totaled 209 yards of total offense and three touchdowns to help lead the Norwich University football team to a 48-0 victory over Anna Maria College at a rain-drenched Sabine Field Saturday afternoon.
The victory is the fifth in a row for the Cadets, who improve to 5-3 overall this year. The AMCATS, who are in their first season competing at the varsity level, fall to 0-8 in their inaugural campaign.
The Cadets rolled up a season-high 530 yards of total offense in the game. They did the majority of their damage on the ground, as Norwich rushed for 435 yards.
The NU defense completely dominated the Anna Maria offense, yielding a mere 34 yards of total offense to the AMCATS.
Norwich wasted little time putting this game away, outscoring Anna Maria 34-0 in the first half. NU opened the scoring at the 11:59 mark of the opening quarter when freshman RB Danny Triplett scored on a 15-yard run. The Cadets made it 14-0 at the 6:13 mark of the first quarter when freshman QB Kris Sabourin hit freshman WR Chris Denton on an 11-yard fade to the right corner of the end zone on a fourth-and-five play.
Norwich extended its advantage to 21-0 early in the second quarter when senior WR Kevin Ober rushed for a two-yard TD at the 11:16 mark. The Cadets blew the game open over the final three minutes of the first half with a pair of long touchdowns by Etkins. The first score came when he received a screen pass from junior QB Guerschom Jean-Gilles, made a few AMCATS miss and scampered 60 yards to pay dirt. Then, after a three-and-out by Anna Maria, Etkins rushed untouched around the left end for a 65-yard score on NU’s next offensive snap.
Etkins added his third touchdown of the contest late in the third quarter on a nine-yard run. Senior RB Kyle Marzeoti capped the scoring midway through the fourth quarter when he rushed for a three-yard TD.
Ober finished with 71 rushing yards on seven carries, while sophomore RB Pat Sikora added 66 rushing yards on five attempts.
Junior DE Chris Roberto paced the defensive effort with six tackles, including 3.0 tackles-for-loss. Freshman DB Jared Flannigan, who handled the punt return duties flawlessly despite the rain and poor field conditions, came up with his first career interception in the second half.
The Cadets close out their home slate on Saturday, Oct. 31, when the Cadets host N.Y. Maritime in a critical Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) game. Kickoff for the Senior Day contest is slated for 1:30 p.m.
Release Courtesy of Norwich Sports Information |
Adames named ECFC Offensive Player of the Week
 Adames had a game-high 182 all-purpose yards
ECFC Weekly Awards
PAXTON, Mass. – Anna Maria College freshman running back Nate Adames (Salem, N.H.) was named the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by Conference Commissioner Julie Muller on Monday afternoon. Adames becomes the first Anna Maria player to earn an ECFC award during the program’s young history.
Adames helped to lead the AMCATS back from a 14-0 deficit this week in their Homecoming game versus Castleton State. The freshman running back led all players with 182 all-purpose yards, including a game-high 151 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He was Anna Maria’s go-to-guy all day, racking up a game-high 39 touches in the contest.
He scored twice during the AMCATS stretch of 21-unanswered points on runs of four yards and 12 yards, putting AMC in the lead 21-14. The AMCATS would ultimately fall 24-21 despite the fine play of their freshman tailback.
Adames currently leads the AMCATS with 585 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the season. He also ranks third in the ECFC in rushing yards per game, averaging 83.6 yards per contest. Adames and the AMCATS will be back in action this Saturday when they take on Norwich at 1:30 pm. |
Late field goal boots AMCATS, 24-21
 Adames had 142 yards and 2 TDs on the ground
Box Score
PAXTON, Mass. – The Castleton State College football team defeated the Anna Maria AMCATS, 24-21, Saturday afternoon at AMCAT Field during Alumni Day. Luis Robitaille’s 28-yard field goal with seconds remaining broke a21-21 tie, propelling Castleton to victory. The Spartans improve to 2-4 with the win, while Anna Maria falls to 0-7.
Anna Maria won the coin toss and deferred to receive until the second half, giving the Spartans first crack at the ball. The first drive of the game for the Spartans ended after two plays, when Cameron Brigham intercepted a tipped pass by quarterback Shane Browzowski (Rensselaer, N.Y.) as he was falling to the ground.
Anna Maria wasn’t able to take advantage of the turnover, as Brandon Bergeron (Hartford, Vt.) forced a Domenique Concepcion (Middlebury, Conn.) fumble on Anna Maria’s second play of the drive which was then recovered by Spartan freshman Ryan DeCoursey (Florham Park, N.J.).
After taking control of the fumble on their own 41 yard-line, Castleton was faced with a 4th-and-1 at midfield after an Evan Cassidy (South Burlington, Vt.) nine-yard reception. The AMCATS weren’t able to stop the quarterback sneak attempt by Browzowski who rushed for 3 yards, giving the Spartans a fresh set of downs. The Spartans converted another first down, setting up a 16-yard pass to a wide open Thomas Cole (Florence, Vt.) over the middle of the field. Full-back Tyler Carpenter (Fort Edward, N.Y.) continued the drive by ripping off a 14 yard-run and followed up with a 5-yard touchdown plunge on the ensuing play, giving the Spartans a 7-0 advantage.
After a quick three-and-out by the Anna Maria gave the Spartans possession, AMC linebacker Rich Brandt (Natick, Mass.) intercepted his own deflected ball at the Anna Maria 5-yard line, giving the AMCATS their second interception of the first quarter and preventing what looked like guaranteed points for the Spartans.
The first quarter ended with a 7-0 advantage for the visitors, however, the AMCATS were in the middle of a 13-play drive.
The AMCATS started the second quarter on the Castleton 30-yard line, with a 4thand 1 situation. Quarterback Santino Simone (Worcester, Mass.) ran a sneak behind the center for two yards, giving Anna Maria a first down. After an incompletion, and a total of six rushing yards on two plays for Nate Adames (Salem, N.H.), the AMCATS were faced with yet another fourth-down situation. Adames received a pitch to the nearside on the 4th and 4 scenario, but was pushed out of bounds two yards short of the first down marker, turning the ball over on downs.
The Spartans started to pull away after executing an 11-play, 73-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by 25 rushing yards by half-back Randy Babineau (Milton, Vt.) and a 2-yard touchdown plunge by Tyler Carpenter to increase the lead to 14-0.
Anna Maria started the ensuing drive at their own 25-yard line with 2:41 remaining in the half. Sean Quinlivan (Rutland, Mass.) entered the game at quarterback and immediately sparked the offense. The AMCATS used two Quinlivan to Devon Nixon (Lowell, Mass.) 9-yard hook-ups and a Nate Adames 8-yard rush to push the ball to mid-field. On the subsequent play, Castleton was flagged for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty, placing the ball into Spartan territory. Three plays later, Quinlivan hit Matt Kelly (Charlestown, R.I.) for a beautiful diving 18-yard reception on the sideline to give AMC a first and goal opportunity from the 3-yard line. Following a 4-yard loss by Adames and a 5-yard false start infraction, Anna Maria was pushed back to the Castleton 12 with just 13 seconds remaining. Quinlivan and AMC refused to let the drive falter, as he threw a beautiful lob pass to Domenique Concepcion in the back of the end zone, bringing the score to 14-7 as both teams entered intermission.
Entering the third quarter, the AMCATS carried the momentum from the first half, starting with good field position after an Ernest Jones (Brockton, Mass.) 17-yard return put Anna Maria just behind midfield. Jones also received the first play of the quarter and promptly ripped off a 16-yard run. Quinlivan and Nixon connected twice on the drive for 25 yards, which set up Nate Adames’ first score of the contest on 4-yard inside hand-off that tied the game at 14 apiece.
Mike Jabour (South Burlington, Vt.) looked destined to for the end zone on the subsequent kickoff, but was chased down by Steve Imparato (Plymouth, Mass.) at the AMC 15 after a 70-yard return. The Anna Maria defense picked up the slack, as a Tyler Carpenter’s half-back pass intended for Evan Cassidy was underthrown and picked off in the end zone by Julio Valentin (Lawrence, Mass.).
The Anna Maria offense took advantage of the Spartan turnover on their following drive. Sean Quinlivan’s outstanding play continued, throwing for 22 yards on the drive, while Adames added 39 all-purpose yards, including his second touchdown of the game on a 12-yard scamper. The touchdown gave Anna Maria a 21-14 advantage entering the fourth quarter, capping a span of 21 unanswered points.
One minute into the fourth quarter, Castleton looked to end Anna Maria’s consecutive-points streak, but, Luis Robitaille’s (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) 31-yard field goal attempt sailed wide-left.
Taking over on their own 32 after an AMCAT punt, Castleton used a passes of 15 and 18 yards from Shane Brozowski to Evan Cassidy to drive deep into Anna Maria territory. Randy Babineau tied the score at 21 a piece, ending the eight-play drive with a 5-yard touchdown run.
With Anna Maria facing a 4th and 11 on their 29, they were forced to punt it away, giving the ball back to Castleton on the AMCAT 49 with 1:22 remaining.
Castleton started the drive with a 10-yard rush by Randy Babineau, putting the ball on the Anna Maria 39. The ensuing play was a bad snap that sailed over Shane Brozowski’s head, forcing him to dive on the ball and take a 12-yard loss. Facing a 2nd and 22, Brozowski dumped a 9-yard pass to Randy Babineau, setting up a long 3rd and 13 situation. After Brozowski dropped back to pass, he drew in the cornerback on a nicely executed pump-fake and hit Evan Cassidy with a 34-yard bomb on a stop-and-go route. With 15 seconds to go, Luis Robaitaille hit the game-winning 28-yard field goal, to give Castleton the 24-21 victory.
Tyler Carpenter (104 rushing yards, 2 TD’s), Randy Babineau (52 rushing yards, 1 TD), and Evan Cassidy (8 receptions, 147 yards) starred for the visitors, while Nate Adames (151 rushing yards, 2 TD’s) Sean Quinlivan (157 passing yards, 1 TD), Dom Concepcion (56 receiving yards, TD) and Rich Brandt (15 tackles, 1 interception), played well for the AMCATS.
Anna Maria travels to Norwich October 24th at 1:30 p.m., while Castleton State hosts Husson October 24th at 12:00 p.m.
Release Courtesy of Jeffrey S. Lander
Picture Courtesy of David Sheridan
|
Early turnovers sink AMCATS, 43-7
 Concepcion had 5 catches for 61 yards
Box Score
PAXTON, Mass. – The Utica Pioneers defeated the Anna Maria AMCATS 43-7 in a Division III contest Saturday afternoon at AMCAT field. Anna Maria couldn’t get into a rhythm offensively and turned the ball over several times on special teams during the first half on a windy day. Utica improves to 3-3 with the win, while Anna Maria falls to 0-6.
After winning the coin toss and electing to receive, the Pioneers scored the first touchdown of the contest in a quick three-play drive. Freshman quarterback Andrew Benkwitt (Mamaroneck, N.Y.) opened the game with a 35-yard pass to Cody Elliot (Sloan, N.Y.) who leaped over two Anna Maria defenders to come down with the reception. After Anna Maria stuffed the ensuing running play for no gain, Benkwitt swung a screen pass to running back Zach Jones (Blossvale, N.Y.), who broke three tackles on his 40-yard run to pay dirt.
On the following kickoff, Anna Maria fumbled, allowing the Pioneers to recovery on the 31 yard line of Anna Maria. Zach Jones rushed four times for 30 yards, including a two yard touchdown run to cap off the drive.
Nearing the end of the first quarter, Lamar Jones (East Longmeadow, Mass.) intercepted Andrew Benkwitt, setting up Anna Maria inside Utica territory. The AMCATS could not capitalize on the turnover, following up the interception with a three-and-out. The Pioneers took over on the Anna Maria 20 after the Kevin Kelly (Rochdale, Mass.) punt sailed out of the end zone. It didn’t take long for them to respond, as the ensuing drive took only two plays, the first being a Tim Millerick (Whitman, Mass.) 12-yard reception, and the latter being a Cody Elliot 68-yard touchdown, giving the Pioneers a 21-0 advantage at the end of the first frame.
Utica started the second quarter with the ball on the Anna Maria 49 when William Northey (Sherburne, N.Y.) ripped a 19-yard run on the first play. Mark Jones (East Longmeadow, Mass.) made a defensive stuff and Nii Quartey (Worcester, Mass.) deflected a pass to halt the Pioneers’ drive, however, Denis Avdic (Utica, N.Y.) booted a 47-yard field goal to tack on three more points for the visitors.
The special teams woes continued for the AMCATS, as they fumbled the subsequent kick off from the Pioneers for the third time in the half. Anna Maria recovered at their own three, but were forced to punt again. The snap to Kevin Kelly was botched, sailing out of the back of the end zone and leading to a safety for Utica.
Following the free kick, William Northey rushed four times for 38 yards, including a 30-yard run, which set up his 1-yard touchdown plunge. Neither team scored again during the half, as the visitors took a 33-0 lead into the locker room. The Pioneers amassed over 300 yards of total offense in the half, including 192 passing from Andrew Benkwitt, while Anna Maria could only muster 37 total yards.
In the third quarter, the Pioneers ran their consecutive points-scored streak to 43, receiving a booming 50-yard field goal from Denis Avdic and a five-yard touchdown run by freshman Dan McNamara (Amsterdam, N.Y.).
Anna Maria finally got on the board following a fumble recovery by Anthony Colon (Fitchburg, Mass.) at the Utica 38 yard line. The AMCATS marched down the field on a nine play, four minute drive led by Nate Adames (Salem, N.H.). Adames grinded out 21 yards on seven carries while Jose Rivera (Lawrence, Mass.) capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown sneak.
The AMCATS played much better football in the second half, allowing just 10 points, while outscoring Utica 7-0 in the final quarter.
Andrew Benkwitt (218 passing yards, 2 TDs), Cody Elliot (133 receiving yards, TD), William Northey, Zach Jones, and Dan McNamara (Rushing TD each) starred for the Pioneers, while Nii Quarterly (10 tackles, 1 deflection), Jose Rivera (Rushing TD), and Dom Concepcion (5 receptions, 61 yards) played well in the loss for the AMCATS.
Anna Maria hosts Castleton State October 17th at 1:00 p.m. during AMC’s Homecoming Weekend, while Utica travels to St. John Fisher October 17th at 7:00 p.m.
Release Courtesy of Jeffrey S. Lander for AMC Sports Information
Picture Courtesy of David Sheridan for AMC Sports Information |
AMCATS fall to Pioneers, 61-21
 Adames racked up 105 yards on 17 carries
Box Score
THROGGS NECK, N.Y. — The Maritime football team amassed 392 total yards, all on the ground, en route to a 61-21 victory over Anna Maria on Saturday at Reinhart Field. With the win, the Privateers move to 3-2 on the season, while the AMCATS fall to 0-5.
“I was proud of the way the guys came out today,” said Privateers head coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes. “We challenged our guys to play hard and rebound after last week’s loss and they did that. It was good for a lot of the backup guys to step into the action.”
Sophomore Jamie Spanopoulos-FB (Franklin Square, N.Y./H. Frank Carey) added to his team-best touchdown total with two more scores today and has broken his own single-season record for rushing touchdowns, as he now has 11 on the year. Spanopoulos registered a team-high 66 yards on 12 carries, for 5.5 yards per carry. Maritime also got two touchdowns from freshman Travis Scott-RB (Pace, Fla./Pace), who compiled 43 yards on the ground, and junior John Gagliano- (Islip Terrace, N.Y./St. Anthony's), who ran for 24 yards.
Sophomore Anthony Gagliano-WB (Islip Terrace, N.Y./St. Anthony's) kept the ball six times for rushes, gaining 66 yards and adding one touchdown, while second-string QB Joe Salthouse-QB (Chester, N.Y./Chester Academy) ran for 43 yards and a score. Sophomore John Whittaker rounded out the scoring for the Privateers, as he scored one TD with 35 yards on the ground.
On the defensive side of the ball, freshman Kevin Tamasitis-LB (Bensalem, Pa./LaSalle College) led all players with six tackles (five solo and two assisted), while classmates Pat Lasher-LB (Seaford, N.Y./Seaford) and Alexander Todd-LB (Merrick, N.Y./Calhoun) each recorded four tackles apiece. On special teams, sophomore Madison Leary-K/Wr (Tavares, Fla./Tavares) was 7-for-9 in extra point conversions, while kicking 535 yards on nine kickoffs for an average of 59.4 yards. Sophomore David Kittinger-P (Fort Myers, Fla./South Fort Myers) punted three balls for a total of 96 yards (32.0 per kick) and had one ball within the 20 yard line and one touchback.
Maritime scored four touchdowns in the opening quarter, as Anthony Gagliano started got the Privateers on the board with a 16-yard TD run to cap off a 5-play, 70-yard drive, and a Leary PAT made the score 7-0 at 12:49. His twin-brother John’s 3-yard touchdown run and two scores from Todd on a 1-yard run and a 29-yard gave Maritime a 27-0 lead before the end of the quarter.
In the second, John Gagliano scored his second TD of the game with a 13-yard run, followed by Spanopoulos’ back-to-back scores on 2- and 4-yard runs, to put the Privateers up 40-0, a score they would take into halftime.
Salthouse scored his 1-yard touchdown just 1:55 into the second half, then the AMCATS scored their first touchdown of the contest on a their own 1-yard run. In the fourth, Whittaker brought a 6-yard run to the house for Maritime’s last score and the Privateers went on to the 61-21 victory.
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Pioneers run wild versus AMCATS, 65-10
 Brandt had a game-high 19 tackles
Box Score
PAXTON, Mass. – The Malone University football team had four players rush for at least 87 yards, racking up 442 total rushing yards, en route to a 65-10 victory over first-year program Anna Maria College at AMCAT Field on Saturday afternoon. Junior Marcus McFolling (Seaside, Calif.) led the Pioneer rushing attack with 173 yards on 19 carries and adding two touchdowns, while senior Joseph Peters (Oakland, Calif.) and junior Courtney Greer (Midland, Texas) each scored three touchdowns. The win improves the Pioneers to 2-1 overall, while the AMCATS fall to 0-4 in their inaugural season.
Malone got things going early, scoring touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions, including four in a row to start the game. The Pioneers took the opening drive 50 yards on five plays, capped off by a seven-yard touchdown run by McFolling. They followed that with scoring drives of 72, 30, and 24 yards to build a 28-0 first quarter lead.
The Pioneer offensive attack continued in the second quarter, as Malone found the end zone on their first two possession of the period. McFolling capped off a five-play 49-yard drive to start the quarter with a two-yard touchdown run, while Greer finished off an eight-play 52-yard drive with seven yard touchdown scamper of his own to send the Pioneers into halftime with a 42-0 advantage.
The AMCATS showed some life out of the gate in the third quarter, forcing a fumble inside Malone territory and capitalizing with a 29-yard field goal by Jamal Mitchell (Shelton, Conn.) to get on the board. The field goal by Mitchell was the first an AMC program history.
AMC forced a second-straight turnover on Malone’s next possession, as sophomore Richard Brandt (Natick, Mass.) intercepted a pass and returned it 25-yards to the Pioneer 23 yard line. But the AMCATS gave the ball right back on a fumble just two plays later, and the Pioneers responded with a nine-play 80-yard drive, punctuated by a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Steve Brohl (Almont, Mich.) to wide receiver Ryan Murphy (Dalton, Ohio).
Malone scored two touchdowns and a field goal on their next three possessions to put away the AMCATS. Peters and Greer each scored their third touchdown of the game on runs of one yard run and three yards, respectively, while sophomore kick Jake Hardy (Ortenville, Mich.) split the uprights on a 38-yard field goal.
The AMCATS ended the game on a positive note, scoring a touchdown on their final drive. Back-up quarterback Sean Quinlivan (Rutland, Mass.) orchestrated an eight-play 78-yard drive which he capped with a 10-yard scramble up the middle.
McFolling, Peters, Justin James (Clinton, Ohio), and Greer led the Pioneers offense by rushing for 173, 101, 96, and 86 rushing yards, respectively. Quarterback Steve Brohl completed 10-14 passes for 118 yards, tossing one touchdown and two interceptions. Junior Brent Altenburger (Sullivan, Ohio) paced Malone with a team-high three catches for 31 yards, while Ryan Murphy hauled-in the team’s lone touchdown reception. On the defensive side of the ball, Wesley Kauffman (Anchorage, Alaska) recorded a team-best seven tackles (five solo).
Freshman Sean Quinlivan led the AMCATS by completing four of 10 passes for 74 yards and rushing for the team’s only score, while freshman Nate Adames (Salem, N.H.) rushed for a team-best 31 yards on 15 carries. Wide receiver Domenique Concepcion (Middlebury, Conn.) led all players with a game-high 63 receiving yards on two catches. Richard Brandt had a game-high 19 tackles (10 solo) while also forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass.
Malone will host St. Francis next Saturday at 7:00 pm, while Anna Maria travels to take on SUNY-Maritime at 4:00 pm. |
Eagles soar past AMCATS, 63-12
 Jones scored his first collegiate touchdown
Box Score
The Husson University football team rolled past Anna Maria College 63-12 at the Winkin Complex in the Eagles home opener. The Eagles dominated Anna Maria College, a first year program, out gaining them 452 yards to 201 yards in total offense. Julius Williams (Sr., Boston, MA) scored two touchdowns and rushed for 119 yards on just 10 carries.
Husson struck early off a turnover by the Amcats on the first play from scrimmage.
Quarterback Santino Simone (Fy., Worcester, MA) dropped back to pass and lost control of the ball. Sophomore defensive end Nick Keene (Auburn, ME) recovered the fumble at the 18 yard line. Williams took the ball into the end zone on the Eagles first offensive play.
The Eagles scored three more times in the first quarter. Dillion Shaw (So., Augusta, ME) tackled Simone in the end zone for a safety with 6 minutes to go in the 1st quarter. After the safety, Husson only needed 4 plays to go 62 yards making it 16-0. Byron Jackson (Fy. Bridgeport, CT) finished the drive on a 13 yard run. Keenon Blindow (Sr., Morgan, VT) recovered a fumble by Simone on the next drive, giving the Eagles the ball at Anna Maria’s 27 yard line. Quarterback Jack Hersom (So., Sidney, ME) finished the 3 play drive with an 8 yard run, making it 23-0 after the first quarter.
Husson controlled the first half outgaining Anna Maria in total yards 232 – 46. The Eagles scored two more times stretching the lead to 37-0 at the half. Mike Toothaker (Jr., Wilton, ME) scored on a 4 yard run and Williams finished the first half scoring with a 5 yard touchdown run. Williams’s touchdown capped off a 12 play 69 yard drive.
The Eagles received scoring from five different players in the second half. Ramel Barton (Sr., Danbury, CT) returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown with 8:59 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Jamie Bonnell (Sr., Oakland, ME) finished a 10 play 57 yard drive with a 3 yard run. In the fourth quarter, Brett Kwaak (Fy., Naugatuck, CT) scored from 7 yards out for the Eagles final touchdown of the day. Carlos Romero (Fy., Coral Springs, FL) kicked a 16 yard field goal and also converted all 8 extra points on the day. DeVaughan Mitchell (Fy., Brooklyn, NY) finished the Eagles scoring with the longest scoring play in the program’s history. Mitchell intercepted a two point conversation and returned it 103 yards.
Anna Maria scored two fourth quarter touchdowns. Ernest Jones (Fy., Brockton, MA) finished an 11 play 73 yard drive with a 6 yard run. Stephen Johnson (Fy., Baltimore, MD) scored from 3 yards out for Anna Maria’s second touchdown. Wide Receiver Matt Kelly (Jr., Charlestown, RI) helped set up the Johnson’s touchdown making a great catch in traffic and taking it 47 yards to the Husson 5 yard line to set up the score.
The Eagles finished with 452 yards of total offense, 365 yards coming off the ground attack. They also racked up 15 penalties for 142 yards. Husson scored on all 8 of their chances in the red zone and recovered 3 fumbles.
Chris Dalecki (So., Elliot, ME) and Keene each had 5 solo tackles while Kyle Vanidestine (So., Bangor, ME) and Dylon Therrian (Fy., Auburn, ME) chipped in 4 solo tackles each to lead the balanced defensive attack. The defense limited Anna Maria to just 4 first half first downs and just 62 yards of total offense.
Kevin Fitzpatrick (Fy., Oxford, MA) had 7 solo tackles for Anna Maria while Lamar Jones (Fy., East Longmeadow, MA) had 6 solo tackles. Shawn Kelley (Fy., Mansfield, MA) recorded two tackles for losses and one sack on the day.
Release Courtesy of Husson Sports Information
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Falcons spoil home-opener for AMCATS, 48-12
 Adames had a 2nd-straight 100 yd performance
Box Score
PAXTON, Mass. - The Fitchburg State College Falcons defeated the Anna Maria College 48-12 in the AMCATS' inaugural home opener at AMCAT Field. Fitchburg improves to 1-1 on the year, while the AMCATS fall to 0-2 on the young season.
Anna Maria held on through half time, however, Fitchburg and the 531 total offensive yards they amassed proved to be too much for the AMCAT’S to handle.
In a drizzly home opener, Fitchburg struck first on a 13 yard touchdown run by senior runningback Steve Austin (Tequesta, Fla.).
Anna Maria would respond on the ensuing drive, scoring a touchdown on an 11-play, 5:21 drive starting at their own 19 yard line. Freshman Nate Adames (Salem, NH.) highlighted the drive with 41 rushing yards, capped off by a five yard Devon Nixon (Lowell, Mass.) touchdown reception from Santino Simone (Worcester, Mass.) Anna Maria missed the point after on a botched snap in the wet conditions.
Anna Maria scored again on their next drive, spanning 68 yards in just four plays. Simone hit wide receiver Dom Concepcion (Middlebury, Conn.) for a deep 26-yard gain into Fitchburg territory. The two reconnected again in the end zone, as Concepcion made a spectacular diving catch for a 21-yard touchdown. The AMCATS fumbled the point after again, but still took a 12-7 lead.
The lead was short lived, as Fitchburg scored their very next possession. Starting at the Fitchburg 35, the first play from scrimmage was a 25-yard pass from junior Jordan Cannava (Woburn, Mass.) to senior Devon Jennings (Boston, Mass.) Cannava finished the drive off himself with a one-yard touchdown scamper, to take a 13-12 lead with a 1:41 left in the half.
With less than two minutes remaining in the half, Anna Maria looked primed to regain the lead until freshman Bill McGuirk (Auburn, Mass.) forced a costly fumble which was recovered by the Falcons Witherell (Westchesterfield, N.H.).
The Falcons made the AMCATS pay for the turnover, driving right down field for a touchdown. Cannava would threw for 51 yards on two passes, the first being a 39 yard completion to Steve Austin and the other being a 12-yard touchdown strike to Kyle Callahan (Stoneham, Mass.) Austin would finish the touchdown with a successful 2 pt. conversion rush, giving Fitchburg a 21-12 edge going into half time.
Austin (16 rushes, 73 yards), Cannava (6-13, 105 passing yards) and Jennings (2 receptions, 34 yards) paced the Fitchburg offense at the midway point, while Adames (16 rushes, 93 yards), Simone (7-11, 87 passing yards) and Concepcion (4 receptions, 63 yards) led Anna Maria.
Fitchburg got the ball to begin the second half and struck on a quick 5 play, 65 yard touchdown drive. Steve Austin highlighted the drive with two rushes for 26 yards, which was finished by a 34-yard touchdown pass from Cannava to Carlos De La Rosa (Holyoke, Mass.).
After stuffing Anna Maria on a fourth and one situation on the Fitchburg 41, the Falcons marched down field to score again, as Austin rushed for 40 yards on the drive, finishing it off with a two-yard touchdown plunge.
After a quick three-and-out, Fitchburg regained possession and scored their third touchdown in as many drives, capped off by a 54-yard touchdown bomb from Cannava to Jennings, taking a commanding 41-12 lead to end the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Fitchburg continued right where they left off, going 63 yards on their first possession for their fourth-consecutive touchdown drive, ending on a one yard dive Steve Austin.
Those were the final points for either team, as Fitchburg used 41-unanswered points en route to the 48-12 victory.
Steve Austin (168 rushing yards, 3 TD’s) and Jordan Cannava (235 passing yards, 3 TD’s) were the stars for Fitchburg, while Nate Adames (103 rushing yards) and Santino Simone (126 passing yards and 2 TD’s) paced Anna Maria.
Anna Maria travels to take on Husson September 19th at 1:00 p.m., while Fitchburg hosts U-Mass.-Dartmouth September 19th at 1:30 p.m.
Pictures Courtesy of David Sheridan for AMC Sports Information |
Carpenter and the Spartans top AMCATS in opener, 42-28
 Adames had a game high 131 rushing yards
Box Score
Castleton, VT - The Castleton State College football team won its inaugural game 42-28 over visiting Anna Maria College Saturday afternoon at Spartan Stadium. Tyler Carpenter Fort Edward, NY) ran for 126 yards on 21 carries and scored three touchdowns to lead the Spartans to the season-opening win.
In what was the opening game for both first-year teams, Castleton wasted little time in getting the paid attendance of 3600 on its feet as Evan Cassidy (South Burlington, VT) ran the opening kick-off 70 yards to the Anna Maria 12-yard line. From that point, it was five-straight run plays, capped by a Carpenter one-yard plunge into the end zone for the
first touchdown in Castleton history. Luis Robitaille (Poughkeepsie, NY) tacked on the extra point to make it 7-0 just 2:18 into the contest. The ensuing Anna Maria drive faltered at the Castleton 40, forcing the AMCATS to punt on their historic first possession.
Steve Sao Pedro (Toms River, NJ) intercepted Castleton quarterback Shane Brozowski’s (Rensselaer, NY) first pass attempt, setting up an AMCAT drive inside Castleton territory. On the very next play Cody TanCreti (Windsor, VT) returned the favor, intercepting a Santino Simone (Worcester, MA) pass at the Castleton 11 and bringing it back 36 yards
before being run out of bounds. Castleton then put together a seven play, 3:13 touchdown drive capped by a Brozowski-to-Justin Leombruno (South Burlington, VT) 13-yard pass. Robitaille’s point after try was successful, giving the Spartans a 14-0 edge. After an AMCAT punt, Castleton once again put together a touchdown drive, this time six plays spanning 2:20 and capped by a Carpenter five-yard rush. Brozowski connected with Thomas Cole (Florence, VT) three times for 75 yards, including a 52-yard hook up during the drive.
Anna Maria struck fist in the second period, as Simone capped an eight-play 58-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown dive. Jamal Mitchell (Shelton, CT) connected on the point after, making it 21-7. Castleton answered with yet another Carpenter touchdown, this time coming on an eight-yard scamper off the left tackle. Robitaille sent the extra point
through giving Castleton the 21-point cushion yet again. Dominique Concepcion (Middlebury, CT) returned the ensuing kick-off 43 yard to the Castleton 37 yard line, setting up a six-play touchdown drive to make it 28-14. Simone connected with Concepcion for a 27-yard touchdown strike cutting the lead in half prior to halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, the two teams combined for four touchdowns over the final 15 minutes of action. Brozowski hooked up with Cassidy on a 30-yard touchdown pass as Castleton’s lead bulged to 21 yet again. After three-straight drives resulted in punts, Castleton’s James Devoe (Colonie, NY) was inserted at quarterback and was rudely met
by Nii Quartey (Worcester, MA). DeVoe ran hard off left tackle on a quarterback keeper, and was met head on by Quartey, who forced a fumble. Quartey scooped up the loose ball and ran 13 yard for the touchdown. The Mitchell extra point made it 35-21, and the AMCATS seemingly gained some momentum. Any advantage was quickly lost on the ensuing kick-off as Cassidy ran it back 78 yard to pay-dirt. Anna Maria grabbed a touchdown with 3:53 remaining on a Nate Adames (Salem, NH) eight-yard run.
Castleton was able to run out the remainder of the clock, earning the win.
Brozowski recovered from the early interception, completing 13-of-17 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Cole led the Spartan receivers with four catches for 115 yards, while Cassidy’s 163 return yards and 30 receiving yards proved huge on the day. Zackere Dames (Schuylerville, NY) and Dustin Young (Dunnellon, FL) each had seven tackles to lead the defense, while Rohn Peterson (Woodstock, VT) added 1.5 sacks.
Adames led Anna Maria with 131 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. Simone was 8-for-20, throwing for 90 yards and one touchdown. Concepcion hauled in three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown to pace the AMCAT receivers. Rich Brandt (Natick, MA) and Kevin Fitzpatrick (Oxford, MA) each had 10 tackles for the AMCAT defense, while Shawn Kelley (Mansfield, MA) added a sack.
Anna Maria plays its home opener Saturday, September 12 when the AMCATS host Fitchburg State at 1:00 pm.
Castleton likewise returns to action on September 12, hitting the road to take on Utica College for a 1:00 pm kick-off.
Release Courtesy of Castleton State Sports Information |
Cantwell paves way for AMCATS' debut
PAXTON — It wasn’t that long ago — about a year and a half — that Matt Cantwell and the other 10 original members of the Anna Maria football team were practicing, if you can call it that, on the grassy slope behind Founders Hall. They had two cones, no uniforms, and someone had to bring a football from home.
On Wednesday morning, the AMCATS squad, which now numbers around 90, had its first full-pad practice on its brand-new turf field — a very welcoming site near the main entrance to campus. Coach Marc Klaiman directed his team through drills. Guys ran and hit and sweated.
“This is real football stuff now,” Cantwell said.
Anna Maria will open its inaugural football season Sept. 5. The formation of the program was announced in March 2008, and Cantwell has been an integral part of it since the beginning.
Cantwell, a senior from Worcester who played football at Holy Name High, was elected the first captain of the AMCATS in a near unanimous vote of his teammates.
“He’s the guy I wanted to be captain because I think he’s the perfect leader,” Klaiman said. “He’s been with the program since Day 1. He practiced on that graded field. He did all the work and got his teammates to follow him. Matt Cantwell is the perfect first captain for Anna Maria football. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
At Holy Name, Cantwell played defensive tackle and center — he will anchor Anna Maria’s offensive line — and helped the Naps to the Division 2 Super Bowl title in 2005, his senior year. Cantwell made a huge stop on a Wahconah Regional fourth-down conversion attempt in Holy Name’s 37-12 win.
Cantwell, now 5-foot-11 and 260 pounds, had the size for football as a kid, but he grew up in Worcester’s Webster Square neighborhood playing baseball. It was during a gym class his freshman year at Holy Name that physical education teacher Phil O’Neil encouraged him to go out for football.
“I always wanted to play,” Cantwell said, “and I love it.”
Cantwell transferred to Anna Maria from Nichols to pursue a criminal justice major. He did not play football for the Bison and had no idea AMC would have a team when he made the move.
“I met with Coach Klaiman right away,” Cantwell said, “and it’s a blessing every day that I’m part of it.”
The original 10 members grew to about 25 by the end of the 2008-09 school year, and it was that group that elected Cantwell captain. He found out at Anna Maria’s annual athletic banquet last spring.
“It’s a huge honor,” Cantwell said. “I was an R.A. (resident assistant) at one point, and I think I can use that experience to be a leader on the field. It’s a lot of pressure, but I’ll be able to handle it.”
The AmCats, who open Sept. 5 at Castleton State, have had seven practices so far.
“We’re not perfect, but we’re getting there,” Cantwell said.
Before practice started this summer, Cantwell was on campus just about every day running and lifting.
Sometimes, after his workout, he’d come over to the empty field, glance up at the scoreboard or over to the bleachers or down toward the end zone.
“I’m looking forward to the first game here (Sept. 12 vs. Fitchburg State),” Cantwell said. “I’ve looked around and run it through my mind, trying to imagine it, like a little kid again. I’ve thought about it a lot.”
Cantwell will get to experience the real thing in just a couple weeks.
Release Courtesy of Jen Toland at the Worcester T&G |
AMCATS join newly formed ECFC
May 4, 2009
The presidents of eight colleges and universities have announced the formation of a new NCAA Division III single sport football conference. The conference, named after the geographic location of the institutions, will be called the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) and will begin competition in the fall of 2009.
The institutions are Anna Maria College (Paxton, Mass.), Becker College (Leicester, Mass.), Castleton State College (Castleton, Vt.), Gallaudet University (Washington, D.C.), Husson University (Bangor, Maine), Maritime College State University of New York (Throggs Neck, N.Y.), Mount Ida College (Newton, Mass.), and Norwich University (Northfield, Vt.).
"Our college conference Presidents voted unanimously to support the new ECFC because we believe that it will enhance the overall student-athlete educational experience at our institutions, expand Division III non-scholarship football opportunities, create an automatic qualifier for the NCAA national tournament, and focus on sportsmanship, fair play, moral integrity and competitive excellence," said Castleton State College President and Chair of the ECFC Presidents Council, Dave Wolk.
The NCAA Management Council has approved the formation of the new conference which will be in line for an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Football Championship after two years of conference competition.
Norwich University Director of Athletics and Chair of the ECFC Athletic Directors Council, Tony Mariano said, "The establishment of the ECFC will offer our member institutions the opportunity to participate in an outstanding regional football conference and provide our student athletes with a competitive and enriching football experience with the opportunity for post season participation and athletic and academic recognition."
In addition to scheduling benefits and the competitive experience of conference play, the conference will provide a full awards program including weekly and post-season honors.
Competition among ECFC institutions will begin in September 2009. Two programs, Anna Maria and Castleton, will begin their first season of collegiate competition in 2009. Five institutions have been playing an independent schedule, while Norwich had been competing in the Empire 8. A full conference schedule will be played between the eight institutions beginning in 2010.
Release Courtesy of the ECFC |
Cantwell honored as first AMC Captain
PAXTON, Mass. – Anna Maria College senior Matt Cantwell (Worcester, Mass.) has been selected as the AMC football program’s first Team Captain, as announced by Head Coach Marc Klaiman on Friday afternoon. The AMCATS will begin their much anticipated inaugural season in the Fall of 2009.
Cantwell will be counted on to anchor the offensive line, as the first-year program looks to build from the inside out. “He’s a great kid who’s been with us since the inception of the program back in March of 2008”, says Coach Klaiman. “We’ve talked about having guys jump in the boat and start rowing with us, and he’s certainly done that.”
With 100 players coming to camp this year, Cantwell will be expected to lead by example. He’s is one of just two seniors currently on the roster, and will serve as a mentor for the younger players both on and off the field. “I look at it as a great honor to start a program”, explains Coach Klaiman,” and he realizes how much of an honor it is to be this program’s first Captain”.
The AMCATS will join the newly formed Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) in September of 2009. The Conference will be comprised of eight teams; along with Anna Maria the ECFC will include Becker College (Leicester, Mass.), Castleton State College (Castleton, Vt.), Gallaudet University (Washington, D.C.), Husson University (Bangor, Maine), Maritime College State University of New York (Throggs Neck, N.Y.), Mount Ida College (Newton, Mass.), and Norwich University (Northfield, Vt.). The NCAA Management Council has approved the formation of the new conference which will be in line for an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Football Championship after two years of conference competition. “This is a great opportunity for our young program”, says Coach Klaiman, “It gives us a goal to shoot for in the future.”
The AMC Football Program recently added two knowledgeable assistant coaches in Michael Caira and Bob Frey. Caira has seven years of coaching experience, holding positions with UMass-Lowell, Assumption College, and Merrimack College. While at Merrimack, Coach Caira led his special teams unit to become the Division II National Leader in yards per kickoff three times. Frey comes to AMC with 24 years of coaching experience including stints at Manchester College, MacMurray College, Olivet College, and the well respected Mount Union College. While at MacMurray, Coach Frey led his team to six Conference Championships in nine seasons, compiling four of the best win-loss records in the program’s history. He was named the Illini Badger Football Conference Coach of the Year three times, the SLIAC Coach of the Year twice, and the IBFC Co-Coach of the Year once. Frey will be AMC’s Offensive Coordinator this season, and assumes the role with a proven track record; his1998 MacMurray team led all of Division III in scoring.
The AMCATS will be playing on a brand new synthetic turf field (pictured below) this season. With a new team, new facilities, and a new field, there are plenty of things to be excited about on the Anna Maria College Campus this year. |
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