Linebacker Hennessey back for fifth year at Air Force

Not many people get a ninth semester at the Air Force Academy, which makes outside linebacker Patrick Hennessey very grateful and at the same time, a little melancholy.

Hennessey got a ninth semester of eligibility because multiple surgeries on his shoulder took him away from his academic workload. Cadets can request a ninth semester if they miss time due to a temporary hardship under what is known as the “Cadet Turnback Program.” So Hennessey gets to play football this season. That’s the good news.

The turnback program sounds like a treat for a football player – for example, quarterback Connor Dietz will be back for a fifth season in 2012 and is the early favorite to start – but there are drawbacks. At Air Force, a person’s graduating class is a big deal, probably more than at civilian universities. There are reminders of past classes all around the academy. And Hennessey’s class has left him behind.

He didn’t get to graduate with the same people he started school with. He went to the ceremony in May at Falcon Stadium with linebacker Ken Lamendola, who was also granted a ninth semester, to watch his friends throw their hats in the air, but he wasn’t a part of it.

“That was probably the most depressing day of my entire life,” Hennessey said. “I know (Lamendola) felt the same way.”

Hennessey will graduate Dec. 14, and he said he’ll be joined by less than 10 people.

“It’ll be a little get-together,” Hennessey said.  

There are other drawbacks, like your friends working and making significantly more money than you’re making as a cadet, and also having to continue the grind of cadet life for a few more months. Also, he missed out on the 60 days of leave the graduating seniors are granted before they start work. He won’t get that leave until the semester is over in December.

“The majority of our closest friends, my girlfriend, had their 60 days, and we had summer period,” Hennessey said. “That’s the rough part of it, too. In December, it’s not like you can call up your friends and say, ‘Let’s plan a trip here.’ They have work.”

Hennessey isn’t complaining about missing those things, however. He said he is thrilled to have another chance to play football.

“In the beginning of September, I’d be at some base, sitting on a couch, probably fat and not doing anything on the weekend, watching my friends play,” Hennessey said. “Down the road, I’d regret that.”

Physically, Hennessey said he feels good. The shoulder problems of the past haven’t been an issue in training camp. Air Force is certainly glad to have him back for another year.  

“He’s been around a lot of ball, and he’s healthy,” defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt said. “That’s been great to keep him healthy. He’s one of those guys that’ll elevate guys around him. It’s good to have him back on the field.”