WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan has announced that David Sinisi (Cedar Grove, N.J./Cedar Grove), Kevin Sterling (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee), David Kennedy (Fort Lee, N.J./Paterson Catholic), Shawn Wright (Fort Washington, Md./DeMatha Catholic) and Kenny Amsel (Demarest, N.J./Northern Valley Regional) have been named as team captains for the 2009 season.
“Leadership will be one of the key ingredients to our success in 2009,” said Callahan. “I am happy that our team has selected these players to represent Monmouth Football.”
Sinisi, the lone returning captain from last season, exhibits leadership both on and off the field. He became Monmouth's first player to be named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List after leading the nation in scoring and finishing in the top three in rushing yards per game while rewriting the MU record books. Off the field he attended the NCAA Apple Leadership Conference and is an active member of Monmouth's Peer Leadership Program.
“Dave is a leader in everything that he does,” said Callahan. “Dave is highly respected on the field, in the weight room and in the University community.”
The offense will have two other captains this season, with offensive tackle Sterling and guard Wright also being selected. Sterling, a fifth year senior and Wright, a true senior, both earned First Team All-Northeast Conference honors last year, the duo combined with the other MU lineman to lead one of the nation's best rushing attacks. In addition, the Hawks allowed just nine sacks in 11 games, which tied for eighth best in the NCAA. Sterling has started every game at right tackle over the past two seasons while Wright has started two straight years at the right guard position.
“Shawn and Kevin are All NEC performers who are very deserving of this honor,” said Callahan. “Their leadership on the field and in the locker room is extremely positive.”
Kennedy is one of two defensive captains this season, with the other being Amsel, a junior defensive back. Kennedy, a fifth-year senior, started all 11 games at defensive end a season ago. He recorded 24 stops, including 10 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Amsel has started each of the past two seasons at cornerback for the Hawks. Last season he led MU in interceptions and was fourth on the team in tackles with 47. The junior was credited with 10 pass breakups and forced a fumble in 2008.
“David is one of the most respected players on our team,” said Callahan of Kennedy. “He is dedicated to being his best both as a player and a student. Ken is the ultimate team player who inspires his teammates by his hard work and dedication.”
Monmouth opens the season on Sept. 5, 2009 against Colgate University.
