Richmond Hill High School senior Zach Denney signed a letter of intent Thursday to play NCAA Division III football with State University of New York Maritime College.

"It’s always been a big dream of mine to play football at the collegiate level, ever since I was a little kid playing rec ball," Denney said. "Finally I’m here. I’ve reached a lifetime goal."

The school is located right outside New York City. 2009 marked the best season in Maritime football history, as fifth-year head coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes and his staff led the squad to their first winning season ever. The Privateers finished the year with a 6-4 mark (3-3 ECFC) and were one win away from the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference championship game.

"We’re really excited about Zach coming aboard," Kendrick-Holmes said. "We run the triple option offense, and he’s a running back with experience on it. We look for a unique type of student-athlete, and I think Zach will fit in perfectly."

Kendrick-Holmes said the school has a lot of connections with the port of Savannah, so Denney should have the option to return home if he chooses. Statistically, the school boasts almost 100 percent placement after graduation and claim they have some of the highest starting salaries in the country.

"A lot of other schools recruited him, but this seemed to be the best choice," his dad Doug Denney said. "And the coach really pursued him. We’re very proud of him and have high hopes for his future – both in football and his career path."

Denney said holds in high regard the four years he played Wildcat football.

"I will miss it," he said. "It’s made me who I am today and instilled me with the leadership skills that have led me to play college ball."

Denney made headlines his junior year when he ran for over 1,000 yards before the season was up. His senior year, he averaged 7.1 yards per carry.

"Zach is the kind of player that coaches hope for," said Brian Brocato, who coached Denney for four years at RHHS. "He is very coachable, hard working and a joy to be around. It is always humbling and a proud moment when one of your boys who is like a son succeeds to a level such as this."

Although football season is over, Denney is not quite done with RHHS athletics. He plans to once again compete on the track team. Last year, Denney qualified for state as part of the 4x400 relay team.