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Post by BMarkey on Jul 26, 2007 21:56:40 GMT -5
Veteran FAU coach confident about team's chances Monday, July 23, 2007 - 11:57 PM Updated: 11:48 AM By Drew Champlinp Dothan Eagle
NEW ORLEANS — How old is Florida Atlantic head coach Howard Schnellenberger? “I know he’s pushing 70,” FAU linebacker Cergile Sincere said.
He’s actually 73.
“Oh. I was going to say 72.”
Regardless of age, Schnellenberger has built FAU into a Sun Belt force after the school has been playing football for just six years.
League coaches disagreed, picking the Owls to finish sixth at Sun Belt Media Days, but numbers don’t lie. FAU has 19 returning starters — 10 on defense.
“I don’t think it’s optimism,” Schnellenberger said. “I just think it’s a little more confidence. We’ve got 46 kids who have 24 games of experience. We haven’t been in that situation since 2003.
“It’s an opportunity for us to see how far we’ve come.”
The last time FAU had that much experience, 2003, the Owls went 10-3 and made the Division I-AA playoffs a year after going 2-9. Last year, FAU went 5-7.
Schnellenberger took Miami to a national championship in 1983. He also put Louisville on the map with 10 successful seasons there.
He has built the FAU program from scratch and even at 73, doesn’t want to stop now.
“He acts like he’s a 20-year-old man,” Sincere said. “He’s always on top of his job. Whatever we’ve got to do or get done, he makes sure we get it done.
“He’s an all-around legendary coach. I’ll be able to talk about him for years and years.”
“I feel like you’re supposed to feel at 73,” Schnellenberger added. “I feel good, very motivated and feel that I can use my football knowledge like I did 20 years ago.”
The name that could grab the most headlines on the offensive side of the ball is quarterback Rusty Smith.
Smith, only a sophomore, has drawn comparisons from Schnellenberger to Bernie Kosar, a former star at Miami and in the NFL.
“He’s got the potential to be another Bernie Kosar,” Schnellenberger said. “He’s really special.”
The non-conference schedule includes early games at Oklahoma State and Kentucky. Minnesota will play FAU at Dolphins Stadium in Miami and South Florida will play at FAU’s home, Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
FAU opens the year with a big conference game against Middle Tennessee and travels to defending champion Florida in November.
This will be the last year FAU plays at Lockhart Stadium. The Owls will play in a temporary on-campus stadium in Boca Raton in 2009. A 40,000-seat open-air stadium will be ready in 2010.
Sincere backed off a statement saying the Owls would pay attention to the predicted sixth-place finish.
“With 19 returning starters, it will be hard to beat us,” Sincere said. “I’m not going to prematurely say anything, but I want everyone to come see us shock the world.”
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Post by owlfan1 on Jul 26, 2007 22:05:15 GMT -5
"This will be the last year FAU plays at Lockhart Stadium. The Owls will play in a temporary on-campus stadium in Boca Raton in 2009. A 40,000-seat open-air stadium will be ready in 2010."
If FAU will be on campus in 2009, this will not be the last year in Lockhart...what about 2008??? Where did it go???
GO OWLS!!!
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Post by owlfamily on Jul 27, 2007 8:08:22 GMT -5
You're right. He doesn't speak for all. I will leave it out there for a while and see what happens. I think a little bit of panic is setting in because the original plan has some issues, but I think they need to stick with it and not try to dilute what they are trying to do just to get it done for the first game. Those plastic shovels should be allowed. They need to slow down and go through the proper channels and get some things approved. It goes back to my original points about this whole issue...if you don't market it properly, its just a few guys walking around with shovels and it means nothing. agree... Reality: anytime anyone wants to do something prodcutive an positive in the "world" it is always met with critisism and an attempt to de-rail, control, and or abort it all together...just ask Howard about the rediculous opposition that was put up by FACULTY at FAU prior to football getting the nod from Tallahassee... Our situation: Respectfully, it is not wise to try and place unneccessary "contorl" points (accounts, auditing, etc) on a group of PRIVATE US CITIZENS who want to organize under a common cause and make a "purchase" collaberatively...again, respectfully, that is totally unnecessary... we have not infirnged on any NCAA "rules"...no players, or even staff are involved...if it does get attention from staff, then they will assume the "liability"...until then it is a mute point... Lockhart: since when can you not have an 11" pice of plastic called a "shovel" into the facility? the hand clappers are equitable as a risk to bodily harm - this is certain...what about the plastic beer bottles? oh boy, those are a weapon for sure! NOT... there is only a clause for umbrellas, and they can do alot more harm than a plastic 11" "shovel" could ever do...btw, the clause isnt for "protection from bodily harm risk"...it is protect the VEIWING rights of all fans...ponchos dont block the person behind from seeing the game...i asked about this - its a fact... they sell HELMETS at the game...full sized HELMETS...is that a risk? i think you get the point...and the point is this: this is a good idea...dont let "negativism" and "fear" enter the equation...they are designed to do one thing, and that is kill, steal and in this case, DESTROY a perfectlly valid and meaningful wave of opptimism and support... 11" plastic red shovels cause for rule breaking and bodily harm risk? cmon....... last note: i e-mailed Dexter laMont and cc'd Craig Angelos today on this entire matter...perhaps the admin will jump in and produce a "sponsor"...who knows...they are aware of the blogs, the fan committment, and the general long term idea of this movement... I for one Hope it contniues into one; a long term iconic symbol of committment, rivalry, and support... I actually even brought up the hand clappers and was told that a shovel would be different then the clappers. Which I dont understand, but security in general is leary of anything they dont have knowledge off. Now, she did NOT say no way to the shovels, she said that we needed to contact David Lamont and get it coordinated thru him. Personally I think they will be fine once they see them, but they are NOT going to allow them without having someone official "approve" them. Thanks for bringing this to the the AD and Mr. Lamonts attention. We REALLY need thier help at this point. This has started to grow into areas that we need administrative help.
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Post by owlfamily on Jul 27, 2007 8:36:37 GMT -5
"This will be the last year FAU plays at Lockhart Stadium. The Owls will play in a temporary on-campus stadium in Boca Raton in 2009. A 40,000-seat open-air stadium will be ready in 2010." If FAU will be on campus in 2009, this will not be the last year in Lockhart...what about 2008??? Where did it go??? GO OWLS!!! Hate to say it but unless the BOT gets in gear, I would assume another season at Dolphin Stadium next year. Its probably too late to get a temp up for 2008. NOT exactly optimal. Tough enough to get folks to drive 15 minutes down to Lockhart, let alone 40 to get to Dolphin Stadium. Not to mention, we make H Wayne richer again and don't get a whole lot of revenue from that. A temp REALLY needs to be done for next year, especially if we win SBC or go to a bowl.
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Post by owlfan1 on Jul 27, 2007 8:53:19 GMT -5
"This will be the last year FAU plays at Lockhart Stadium. The Owls will play in a temporary on-campus stadium in Boca Raton in 2009. A 40,000-seat open-air stadium will be ready in 2010." If FAU will be on campus in 2009, this will not be the last year in Lockhart...what about 2008??? Where did it go??? GO OWLS!!! Hate to say it but unless the BOT gets in gear, I would assume another season at Dolphin Stadium next year. Its probably too late to get a temp up for 2008. NOT exactly optimal. Tough enough to get folks to drive 15 minutes down to Lockhart, let alone 40 to get to Dolphin Stadium. Not to mention, we make H Wayne richer again and don't get a whole lot of revenue from that. A temp REALLY needs to be done for next year, especially if we win SBC or go to a bowl. I agree. My only question is why didn't the article say anything about 2008? Is Dolphin Stadium still an option? I hope FAU doesn't go back to playing at Dolphin Stadium. That was worse than Lockhart because even with 20,000 people in the stands it seemed empty. GO OWLS!!!
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Post by Talon on Jul 27, 2007 11:14:57 GMT -5
I really hope they do something for a temp stadium in 2008 because the track record from the ruling powers seem to be procrastinators, just a little. My concerns and I'm sure the concerns of others what are the odds of the "regular" Stadium being completed in 2010. The temp stadium could possibly be around for four five six years, after all it has only taken what six years to bring a vote to the table. In order to be in that stadium by 2010 they would have to start the process very soon. This was discussed a couple of years ago and not much has really changed when you thing about it. A tron of work has got to be done just to get it started and they haven't even approved it yet. Think about it, sight planing and management , permitting could take 8 months or so. Suppliers of the material used to time build the stadium. The weather can play a big part also. UCF is behind but feel they can make it mostly because of the weather. I would like someone with authority explain the time line to see if what they are saying is realistic, the different phases of construction, etc. Another words when you throw us all a bone could you give us a little meat from time to time. and not just blow smoke up our butts our butts. The shovels not only shows support but is becoming a unifying symbol for FAU. The Dance Coach is even understands the potential of the little plastic toy. This can do more then make a statement it can become a tradition for FAU Sports. For now we need to continue the push to get this stadium and the temp stadium moving. As far as Dolphin stadium forget it put the temp on campus for 08.
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Post by owlcountry on Jul 27, 2007 15:28:03 GMT -5
"This will be the last year FAU plays at Lockhart Stadium. The Owls will play in a temporary on-campus stadium in Boca Raton in 2009. A 40,000-seat open-air stadium will be ready in 2010." If FAU will be on campus in 2009, this will not be the last year in Lockhart...what about 2008??? Where did it go??? GO OWLS!!! This is not an official FAU source. It's a reporter from Dothan, Alabama who, in all likelihood, misunderstood the details. As far as we know -- from the AD himelf -- we're looking at a temporary stadium for 2008 and a full-size, 30,000 seat permanent stadium for 2010. It's not a temp stadium in 2009 or a 40k seater in 2010. We knew all this already. So the author had their details wrong. A bigger concern that we haven't discussed here is whether the BOT would slack on the permanent stadium because we'd have the temp stadium in place. Perhaps they'll say that we need more time for a better stadium, or just want to collect more money to pay off the debt faster, and it will be pushed back because we have the temp stadium for now. Evidence? During the Innovation Village meeting, Trustee Tripp said that we didn't really need a new basketball arena because "the one we have now is fine."
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Post by Bytor on Jul 29, 2007 12:50:18 GMT -5
We need to get this back on thread and I will do so with this satement:
I know that some are disappointed with the initial response from the Athletic department regarding the shovels, but by no means should it end the movement, instead should help the group to re-focus it's effort. We should take the time to evaluate all avenues that can be used to further the cause - I have mentioned earlier that we should target the die-hard fans first, the ones that show-up at the game outside of the stadium, where you can interact with the fans on an individual bases and hand them a flyer (& shovels) with any information concerning the movement, including where the donations can be made.
Being resilent & persistent wil be key for this movement to stay alive. Remember that athletics do love the idea, just have concerns with the shovels and hopefully in time that issue will get resolved.
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tampas1owl
Spread The Wings
We Fly Footballs Too !!
Posts: 109
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Post by tampas1owl on Jul 29, 2007 13:59:41 GMT -5
Hey everyone I do not see the Red Shovel Movement as being dead for the game. The Big Guys at FAU have asked the shovel (Movement) people to meet so as to discuss this idea. They have said they like it. Maybe they want to combine and coordinate our efforts. This is the time to band even tighter together, we need to show unity. Just like in the sports world, team, never let them see you sweat. Hey we are the Owls, it's time to burrow down and dig in, we can not give up now it's the 4th quarter. Look at Teds blogs in the Sun Sentinel, and send D-owl in e-mail and make a pledge. Me and mine are. It's time to give a Hoot Owls, not tomorrow !!
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Post by FAU Fan on Aug 1, 2007 20:42:21 GMT -5
If the shovels are out what about t-shirts with a shovel on it and a catchy phrase???
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tampas1owl
Spread The Wings
We Fly Footballs Too !!
Posts: 109
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Post by tampas1owl on Aug 1, 2007 21:49:56 GMT -5
The shovels are not out, in fact there is a meeting tomorrow to discuss just that. There will be an update as soon as it's over. Or shortly there after anyway.
Be looking for that Red Shovel soon !!!! Let's go Owls !
Send D-Owl an e-mail tonight, make that pledge !
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faualum
Full Flight
.....What do you mean smile? I am smiling!
Posts: 496
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Post by faualum on Aug 2, 2007 12:18:04 GMT -5
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Post by TeamBeer on Aug 2, 2007 12:48:07 GMT -5
Great Work by all who got involved in this and really helped out. On behalf of FAU fan's everywhere, thank you!
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Post by Bytor on Aug 2, 2007 12:49:23 GMT -5
Yes, the meeting did go very well, as Teddy mentioned in his blog - the Red Shovels will be allowed into the stadium.
Many issues where discussed and all of the details will be reveals shorthly with information to where the donation can be made. If everything goes well, we will have 5,000 shovels to hand-out come Sept.1.
We are still waiting on the approval of the official statement that we will be using, but those are minor details at this point - the movement will be moving forward as planned.
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Post by fauowls44 on Aug 2, 2007 12:52:42 GMT -5
Excellent news. Who exactly did you all meet with? Was it just the athletic department?
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