Maritime Football Begins Spring Practice and Announces Staff Changes

The 2009 Maritime Football team began spring football drills this week and practices will continue up until April 8th. NCAA Division 3 football teams are allowed 16 non-padded practices outside the traditional season and the Privateers will use the time to improve fundamental skills and install new offensive, defensive and special team's plays. Practices are open to the public and guests should contact the football office for specific practice times and dates. 

There have also been several staff changes and promotions during the off season. Defensive Backs Coach, Al Piascik, adds the job of Assistant Head Coach to his list of duties which also includes Strength and Conditioning Coach for Maritime College. Coach Piascik replaces former Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach, Josh Varner, who departed to take the Offensive Coordinator position at NCAA Division 2 Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. 

Eric Ludwig was recently hired to coach the offensive line and will also act as Recruiting Coordinator for football. Coach Ludwig is a 2006 graduate of Williams College and collected honors of Team Captain, All-NESCAC, All-ECAC and All-American during his career. He was also selected to represent the USA in the Division 3 All-Star Aztec Bowl in 2005. He comes to Maritime from Springfield College where he coached the offensive line for the past 2 seasons and attained a Masters of Physical Education in Business Administration. Coach Kendrick-Holmes has this to say about Coach Ludwig: "Eric is a great addition to our staff and brings triple option experience and a great work ethic to the table. It was obvious in the interview process that Eric cares about the development of our student athletes and the support they require to pursue a future in the Maritime Industry. He is passionate about teaching the game on the field as well as helping our players meet their goals in the classroom." 

Coach Kendrick-Holmes also announces the hiring of Mike Stroud to coach the Outside Linebackers. Coach Stroud recently retired from the US Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of active duty service. Stroud, who worked with Coach Kendrick-Holmes at Navy Prep in 2002 while attending the Navy War College, will also work for Maritime College as the Regiment of Cadet's Third Battalion Officer. States Kendrick-Holmes: "I'm excited for Mike and his family as Maritime offers a great transition from military service. Mike has been connected to the Maritime football program from the beginning and his experience will help in many areas on campus. Teamwork with the Regiment has always been great and having Mike working there in the day to day operations will only improve the experience for our student-athletes." Stroud has worked Maritime's Youth Clinic the past 4 summers and has been active in recruiting the state of Florida while stationed with US Central Command located in Tampa. Currently, Maritime has 8 players on the roster from the "Sunshine State." 

Ed Gardella returns to coach the Maritime Quarterbacks after taking a season off for personal and professional reasons. Coach Gardella was the Quarterbacks coach in 2007 and was instrumental in the development of the freshman QB's who led the team to a national ranking of 26th in rushing offense that season. Coach Kendrick-Holmes commented: "It's great to have Ed back on staff and he brings a wealth of triple option knowledge to the table. Ed sees how far the program advanced in one year of being away and will do a great job mentoring the quarterbacks as we continue our progress." 

Staff Assignments for spring practice are as follows: Clayton Kendrick-Holmes, Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator; Al Piascik, Assistant Head Coach, Strength and Conditioning, Defensive Backs; Vincent DiGaetano, Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers; Rich Mercado, Special Teams Coordinator, Wide Receivers; Eric Ludwig, Recruiting Coordinator, Offensive Line; Kris Bisci, Video Coordinator, A Backs; Mike Stroud, Regimental Liaison, Outside Linebackers; Ed Gardella, Quarterbacks and B Backs; Tom Shaller, Defensive Line.