The Anna Maria Amcats football (often stylized as AmCats, AMCATS, or AMcats) teams represented Anna Maria College in American football during the program's first decade of college football from 2009 to 2019. The team competed as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) from 2009 to 2024. Highlights include the following: In 2011, Anna Maria won their first game against Becker, 35–33. Anna Maria played their home games at AMCAT Field from 2009 to 2018 and at the newly renovated Caparso Field starting in 2019.
The head coaches were Marc Klaiman (2–27) from 2009 to 2011, Vince Sinagra (6–44) from 2012 to 2016, and Dan Mulrooney (11–29) from 2017 to 2021.
2009
The 2009 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its first year under head coach Marc Klaiman, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 0–9. Although Anna Maria was accepted into the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC), their games did not officially count as conference games during the 2009 season.
Anna Maria's president, Jack P. Calareso—who previously established the football programs for Briar Cliff University and Ohio Dominican University—led the push towards beginning a football program In 2008, Marc Klaiman, Merrimack's associate head coach and defensive coordinator was hired as the program's inaugural head coach. Additionally, the Amcats hired former MacMurray and Tri-State head coach Bob Frey as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.
The Amcats debuted on the newly built AMCAT Field in their inaugural season—a $2 million facility that instantly elevated the program. Half of the budget went toward installing FieldTurf, the same surface used at Gillette Stadium, while the remaining funds covered infrastructure upgrades, including bleachers, lighting, and a solar-powered scoreboard.
Although Anna Maria was accepted into the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC), it did not become a full member until the following season. Nonetheless, Anna Maria still played a schedule mostly of ECFC teams. After the season, despite not officially being a member of the ECFC, kicker Jamal Mitchell earned First-team All-ECFC honors, while wide receiver Domenique Concepcion and linebacker Rich Brandt were named to the Second-team All-ECFC.
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Game summaries Castleton
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The Anna Maria Amcats football team faced a tough defeat in their first-ever game against Castleton, led by Rich Alercio, losing 42–28 in the Spartans' historic inaugural matchup at Spartan Stadium.
Castleton made an immediate impact with freshman Evan Cassidy returning the opening kickoff 70 yards, setting up the first touchdown of the game. The Spartans quickly built a commanding 21–0 lead in the first quarter, with running back Tyler Carpenter powering through for two touchdowns, including a 5-yard run and an 8-yard score. Quarterback Shane Brozowski also contributed to the offense, completing 13 of 17 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns, one of which went to Tom Cole, who racked up 115 receiving yards.
The Amcats weren't deterred by the early deficit. In the second quarter, quarterback Santino Simone sneaked in for a 1-yard touchdown run, and wide receiver Domenique Concepcion caught a 27-yard touchdown pass, cutting the Spartans' lead to 28–14 heading into halftime.
In the second half, Anna Maria continued to battle, with Nii Quartey recovering a fumble from Castleton's backup quarterback and returning it 35 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 35-21. However, Castleton responded quickly, as Cassidy returned the ensuing kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown, essentially putting the game out of reach.
Husson
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The Eagles wasted no time taking control of the game, scoring on the first offensive play of the game after Anna Maria quarterback Santino Simone fumbled while attempting to pass. Husson's Chris Dalecki recovered the fumble, and tailback Julius Williams quickly ran for an 18-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles an early 7–0 lead. Husson added a safety and two touchdowns in quick succession, with Byron Jackson running for a 13-yard touchdown and quarterback Jack Hersom scoring on an 8-yard option run, building a commanding 23–0 lead in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Husson continued to dominate. After a fumble recovery by Dalecki, Mike Toothaker ran for a 4-yard touchdown, and Williams added another 5-yard touchdown, increasing the Eagles' lead to 30–0. Husson's Ramael Barton then electrified the crowd with a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown, and Jamie Bonnell followed with a 3-yard touchdown run, making it 51–0 by the third quarter.
Anna Maria finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, as Ernie Jones ran for a 6-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 51–6. However, Husson responded with a 16-yard field goal from Carlos Romero and Brett Kwaak's 7-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 58–6. The Amcats scored once more when Stephen Johnson ran for a 3-yard touchdown, but Husson's De Vaughan Mitchell intercepted the ensuing two-point conversion pass and returned it 102 yards for a touchdown, sealing the 63–12 victory.
Despite the loss, Anna Maria showed determination throughout the game. Head coach Marc Klaiman acknowledged the effort of his players, stating, "Our kids have good character. They never stopped playing." However, he also noted the challenges of facing a team with more experience, saying, "We're mostly freshmen playing against men. There's a difference between an 18-year-old man and a 22-year-old man."
Castleton (homecoming)
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The Spartans took an early 14–0 lead with touchdown runs by freshman Tyler Carpenter, who scored on a 5-yard run in the first quarter and a 2-yard run in the second. However, the Amcats responded just before halftime, with wide receiver Domenique Concepcion catching a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sean Quinlivan, narrowing the gap to 14–7.
In the second half, Anna Maria surged ahead with two touchdown runs by Nick Adames, who powered in from 4 yards and 12 yards, giving the Amcats a 21–14 lead. But Castleton answered with a 5-yard touchdown run by Randy Babineau, tying the game at 21–21.
The decisive moment came with just 15 seconds left when Castleton's Luis Robitaille kicked a 28-yard field goal, securing the Spartans a 24–21 victory.
Nick Adames led the Amcats' offense, rushing for 152 yards on 36 carries. Quarterback Sean Quinlivan threw for 108 yards and a touchdown. Castleton's Tyler Carpenter contributed 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Shane Brozowski passed for 225 yards and a touchdown.
Roster
2010
The 2010 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its second year under head coach Marc Klaiman, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 0–10 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 0–7.
Offensive coordinator Bob Frey left to become the defensive coordinator for Kansas Wesleyan. In his place, quarterbacks coach Brian Hayes was promoted to offensive coordinator, while Norfolk State linebackers coach Vince Sinagra was named defensive coordinator.
Notable players include senior transfer from Sacred Heart Mook Zimmerman and All-ECFC wide receiver Domenique Concepcion who finished the season with 53 catches, 523 yards, and four touchdowns.
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Roster
2011
The 2011 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its third and final year under head coach Marc Klaiman, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 2–8 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 2–5.
After losing the first 27 games of the team's existence, Klaiman led the team to back-to-back wins to close out a 2–8 campaign. Klaiman was fired following his third season, amassing an overall record of 2–27. Defensive coordinator Vince Sinagra was named interim head coach, before being named to the full-time position prior to the start of the next season.
Wide receiver Domenique Concepcion earned First-team All-ECFC honors, becoming the program's first three-time all-conference selection. Quarterback Santino Simone and tight end Blake Simpson were also recognized, receiving Second-team All-ECFC accolades.
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Roster
2012
The 2012 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its first year under head coach Vince Sinagra, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 2–8 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 1–6.
With Sinagra being promoted to head coach, linebackers coach and strength and conditioning coordinator Rocco DiMeco assumed the defensive coordinator position.
Three Amcats earned First-team All-ECFC honors: running back Robert Small, wide receiver Domenique Concepcion—now a four-time all-conference selection—and tight end Josh Sundquist. Linebacker Jordan Koehler was also recognized with a Second-team All-ECFC selection.
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2013
The 2013 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its second year under head coach Vince Sinagra, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 2–8 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 1–6.
Defensive coordinator Rocco DiMeco resigned prior to the season to become the outside linebackers coach for Holy Cross.
Running back Robert Small earned ECFC Offensive Player of the Year honors and was named a First-team All-ECFC selection. Defensive lineman Jordan Koehler also received First-team All-ECFC recognition. Linebacker William Ricard and defensive back Demetri Underwood were named to the Second-team All-ECFC.
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2014
The 2014 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its third year under head coach Vince Sinagra, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 0–10 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 0–7.
Sinagra promoted defensive backs coach Edwyn Edwards to defensive coordinator prior to the season.
Several players earned all-conference honors following the season. Punter Stefano Marziale was named First-team All-ECFC. Second-team All-ECFC selections included running back Chris Bettano, wide receivers Ryan McCarthy and Will Ricard, offensive lineman Kevin Grey, and linebacker Mike Sinto.
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2015
The 2015 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its fourth year under head coach Vince Sinagra, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 1–9 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 1–6.
Three players earn Second-team All-ECFC honors following the season: offensive lineman Kevin Grey, linebacker Mike Sinto, and punter Stefano Marziale.
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2016
The 2016 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its fifth and final year under head coach Vince Sinagra, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 1–9 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 1–6.
In October, Sinagra announced his intentions to resign after the season. He ended his tenure with an overall record of 6–44.
Punter Francis Cole was the team's lone All-ECFC selection.
Schedule
2017
The 2017 Anna Maria Amcats football team represented Anna Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts. In its first year under head coach Dan Mulrooney, Anna Maria compiled an overall record of 1–9 as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) with a conference record of 1–6.