THROGGS NECK, N.Y. (July 5, 2010) – Maritime Football manager Vincent Young's life dream was to attend the United States Naval Academy and become a career officer in the Marine Corps. His plan took a detour last spring when he discovered that he just missed gaining admissions to Navy. Needing to follow a backup plan to attain his goal Vincent turned to head coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes, who had been recruiting Vincent to Maritime College as the football team manager.

           

“We have such a great Naval ROTC program here at Maritime College and when you combine this with our academic programs and option for the regiment of cadets, it is a great opportunity for someone pursuing a military career,” commented Kendrick-Holmes. No stranger to the Naval Academy, Kendrick-Homes, who is a 1992 graduate and former coach at Navy Prep, had expressed the possibility of transferring to Navy after a year at Maritime.

           

Vincent took full advantage of the programs available at Maritime College by joining the Naval ROTC program (led by 1981 Navy graduate, Captain Jim Driscoll) and also the regiment of cadets. He excelled in a rigorous academic program including calculus and physics and took on the responsibilities of being the sole manager of the football team.

 

Coach Kendrick-Holmes noted, “Vincent pushed himself to the limits this past year and his contributions to our team during the season were invaluable. He enthusiastically worked behind the scenes with equipment and logistics so the coaches and players could focus on football. He certainly helped us win games and I am so proud of him.”

           

Vincent's hard work paid off as on July 1, he reported to the United States Naval Academy as a plebe in the class of 2014. He will also join the Navy Football team as a manager and is looking forward to being a part of its historic and successful program.

 

A native of Rye, N.Y., he is especially looking forward to a homecoming on October 23 when he will be roaming the sidelines of the new Meadowlands Stadium when the Midshipmen take on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

 

“Attending the Naval Academy is a dream come true and I couldn't have done it without the staff and team at Maritime College. Many thanks to them for their belief in me and their immeasurable support over the past year,” said Young.