The Mariners' Comeback: 5 Key Takeaways From Maine Maritime Academy Football's Dramatic 2025 Return
The Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) football program officially completed a dramatic, long-awaited return to the gridiron in the 2025 season, marking a monumental moment for the Castine campus community. After suspending the program in 2020 and competing at a sub-varsity level for two years, the Mariners played a full NCAA Division III varsity schedule in 2025, restarting a tradition that dates back decades. This article, updated for December 19, 2025, dives into the fresh realities of the program’s reinstatement, the challenges of a winless season, and the emergence of a new star player and coaching staff that are building the foundation for future success in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC).
The 2025 season was never going to be easy, but it provided a crucial, tangible starting point for the new era of MMA football. The team’s focus has shifted from simply existing to establishing a competitive culture under a new head coach, with the entire community rallying behind the Mariners as they navigated the demanding Conference of New England (CNE) schedule.
The New Era: Coach Nick Sheehan and Key Player Profiles (2025)
The reinstatement of the program ushered in significant changes, most notably the appointment of a new head coach and the rise of a new class of Mariners. The team is now competing in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), also known as the Conference of New England (CNE), a challenging NCAA Division III league.
Head Coach: Nick Sheehan
- Position: Head Football Coach / Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Appointment Date: December 2025 (as Head Coach)
- Program History: 13th head coach in Maine Maritime Academy history.
- Previous Role: Served as the Offensive Coordinator at MMA under former Head Coach Calvin Powell.
- The Era Begins: The 2025 season marked his first as the full-time head coach, officially beginning the "Nick Sheehan Era."
Key Players and Achievements from the 2025 Season
- Auston Harris (RB): Sophomore running back who became the first player in the history of the reinstated program to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing plateau in the regular-season finale against Husson University. His performance was a massive bright spot in a challenging season.
- Lucas Houghton (LB): A key defensive leader who earned the distinction of being named the Conference of New England (CNE) Defensive Player of the Week during the season.
- Will Keach: Mentioned on the 2025 roster, representing the core group of players committed to the program's return.
- James Boyer-Russell: A notable player on the 2025 roster.
- Defensive Contributors: Players like Wesley Wallace, Wyatt Weaver, Aiden Sullivan, and Tristan Valentine were noted contributors on the defensive side of the ball throughout the 2025 campaign.
The Long-Awaited Reinstatement: From Suspension to Varsity Play
The journey back to full varsity competition was a multi-year effort rooted in community support and administrative commitment. The program was initially suspended in August 2020, a decision that saddened many alumni and students.
In January 2023, the Academy officially announced that NCAA Division III football would be returning, with a target of varsity competition by 2025.
The team spent the 2023 season competing at a sub-varsity level to begin rebuilding the roster, followed by a dedicated rebuilding phase throughout 2024. This preparatory period was vital for recruiting, training, and integrating the new coaching staff before facing a full conference schedule.
The 2025 season, therefore, was not just a series of games; it was the culmination of a five-year effort to bring the sport back to Ritchie Field. The Mariners returned as a sub-varsity member of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) but played a full varsity schedule.
The 2025 Season in Review: A Foundation Built on Effort
The 2025 campaign served as a crucial benchmark for the newly reinstated program. While the results in the win-loss column did not favor the Mariners, the season was invaluable for establishing a competitive culture and gaining experience in the demanding Conference of New England (CNE).
Record and Conference Performance
- Overall Record: 0-10
- Conference Record: 0-7 (Conference of New England / CCC)
- Notable Results: The Mariners faced tough competition, including a significant loss to Western New England University (L 7-70) and a regular-season finale loss at rival Husson University.
Despite the winless record, the team showed resilience and flashes of potential. The most significant achievement was the emergence of sophomore running back Auston Harris, who provided a consistent, dynamic threat on offense. His ability to break the 1,000-yard mark against seasoned Division III defenses is a powerful testament to the talent being developed in Castine.
The 2025 season was characterized by high effort, particularly on defense where Lucas Houghton earned conference recognition. The team's statistics, showing an overall 0-10 record, reflect the growing pains of a program starting from scratch against established opponents.
5 Key Takeaways for the Future of MMA Football
The 2025 season, while challenging, laid a clear blueprint for the Mariners' path forward. These five takeaways highlight the most critical developments and the direction of the program:
1. The Star Power of Auston Harris is Real
The performance of Auston Harris is the single most compelling reason for optimism. A 1,000-yard rusher is an elite commodity at the Division III level. His presence gives Coach Sheehan a foundational piece to build the offense around for the next two seasons, providing a reliable ground game that can control the clock and keep the defense rested. The offensive line’s ability to help him achieve this milestone also suggests potential for growth in the trenches.
2. The Commonwealth Coast Conference Challenge
The CCC/CNE is a competitive conference, and the 0-7 conference record underscores the need for continued recruiting and development. Establishing rivalries and competing against schools like Husson University, Western New England University, and New England College will be key to boosting the program's visibility and recruiting efforts in Maine and New England.
3. Nick Sheehan’s Cultural Reset
As the 13th head coach, Nick Sheehan’s primary task in 2025 was not winning, but establishing a sustainable, disciplined culture. Moving from Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach, he has the institutional knowledge of MMA and the necessary experience to guide the team through this difficult rebuilding phase. His focus on strength and conditioning, as indicated by his dual title, suggests a commitment to physical toughness.
4. Ritchie Field: The Home Field Advantage
Playing home games at Ritchie Field is crucial for campus morale and recruiting. While the home record for 2025 was 0-4, the atmosphere created by the student body and alumni for the return season provides a tangible asset. Turning Ritchie Field into a difficult place for opponents to play will be a key goal for the 2026 season.
5. Building Depth and Roster Stability
A major challenge for any reinstated program is depth. The 2025 roster, which includes key contributors like Lucas Houghton and the full coaching staff (including the Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator), needs to be expanded and stabilized. Continued success in recruiting both local Maine talent and out-of-state prospects who value the unique maritime education will be the true measure of the program's long-term health. The goal for 2026 will be to translate the raw effort and individual success of players like Harris into the team's first victory since the program's return.
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