Jan. 12, 2007
University of New Mexico senior quarterback Kole McKamey has ended his attempt to return to the Lobo football team in 2007. McKamey was lost for the 2006 season three plays into the second game after suffering a torn left anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament Sept. 9 at New Mexico State. He had surgery Sept. 18. McKamey, a redshirt in 2002, had recently petitioned the NCAA in hopes of receiving a sixth year of eligibility, although the NCAA has yet to render a decision on McKamey’s request. The Artesia, N.M., native received his bachelor’s degree from UNM in December.
“I thought about this decision long and hard, but when it came down to it, I found that I just didn’t have the desire and passion to keep playing football,” said McKamey. “Certainly, coach (offensive coordinator Bob) Toledo leaving and the possibility of having to learn a new offense played a role in my decision, but it was an honor to play for (head coach) Rocky Long and in front of the great fans here in Albuquerque. I loved the time I spent in this program and I’m sad it had to end like this, but you have to roll with the punches and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead in my life.”
“We certainly understand Kole’s decision,” said UNM head coach Rocky Long. “We appreciate his contributions to the New Mexico football program over the past five years. He played a big part in our success.”
McKamey ends his Lobo career having played in 36 games with 22 starts. He had a 13-9 record as a starter. McKamey ranks 4th at UNM in career completion percentage (55.4%), 7th in pass completions (279), 8th in TD passes (21), 9th in passing yards (3,359) and 9th in total offense (4,199). He set a UNM single-season record in 2005 by completing 62.3% of his passes.
McKamey is the only Lobo to record at 150 yards rushing and 150 yards passing in a game, a mark he set against Wyoming in 2004. Additionally, he is the only player in New Mexico history to surpass 100 yards rushing and 100 yards passing in a game three times.