Maritime's inspired season ends with loss

The dream season came to an end Saturday for coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes and his SUNY Maritime football team as they fell to Alfred University, 60-0, in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Maritime may have taken its lumps against the Saxons, but for these players and coaches, this season took on a meaning beyond football.

In August, in the team's first week of training camp, Kendrick-Holmes told his players the surprising news that after the season was over he would be heading to Afghanistan with the Navy for a tour of duty that would last about a year.

The Privateers played a spirited season for Kendrick-Holmes, going 10-0 in the regular season to earn a berth in the playoffs.

But yesterday's game had a far different feel. Alfred took a 14-0 lead in a little more than five minutes in the first quarter, and it was 50-0 by halftime.

Wide receiver Ryan Thon had a huge day for the Saxons, totaling seven catches for 112 yards and 4 touchdowns - all in the first half, as most of the starters sat out the second half.

Starting quarterback Tom Secky threw for 176 yards and four touchdowns on 12-22 passing. Freshman running back Tom Secky, the Empire 8 rookie of the year, carried eight times for 57 yards and a touchdown.

The loss does not diminish the lessons Kendrick-Holmes and his team took away from their memorable season.

"Just how much impact one person can make and what a group of guys can do when they all focus on one thing," Kendrick-Holmes said. "I think that's what they taught me. That's something you can only hope for as a coach - to be able to experience a group of guys jumping on and pulling in the same direction."

Sophomore linebacker Keith Barnes of Westbury, the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year who made nine tackles, said his team will work hard next season and be ready for Kendrick-Holmes next year, when he plans to resume his head coaching duties.

"I never really knew that he could be called. I was kind of shocked," Barnes said. "But I'd just tell him go over there, do what he's got to do, and we'll be ready for him next year when he comes back."

Alfred coach Dave Murray knew Kendrick-Holmes' story and had high praise for him after the game.

"You see him with his family, and I have three daughters and my wife here, and I can't fathom the thought of having to leave and go overseas and leave the family," Murray said. "So I have all the respect for Clayton and for that. I'm extremely impressed. What a good guy and what a great commitment he's made."

Kendrick-Holmes said he wanted the win for his team and was disappointed in the loss, but is now looking forward to the chance to serve his country.

"It's a little bit of a relief, honestly," he said. "It's been such an emotional roller coaster. We met all of our goals for our season, and it was great to do what we did. The next step is so big and it's tough to be in both places. It's the ultimate bittersweet."