Much discussion has centered around the idea that FAU Football is a tradition in the making. But it doesn’t take more than a moment with Coach Howard Schnellenberger to realize that the tradition has already arrived. Coach’s characteristic grit, poise, and stone-like mannerisms make one feel like you’re sitting in the Hall of Fame listening to a statue come to life telling tales of great triumph combined with intense struggle. But he’s not full of stats; he’s full of personal experiences.
Speaking of the Miami Dolphin’s Don Shula, Coach said, “He’s a guy who’s made mass and communion everyday of his life and I’ve known him since 1959 when we started together as assistant coaches at the University of Kentucky. He’s a fierce competitor, the patron saint of the NFL.” The game of football, to this legendary coach, is what makes a man a man, and a hero a hero.
Since the program’s launch in 1998, FAU has shown they can hang with the big boys, culminating this season in their transition to the highest level of college play – Division IA. The last two seasons boast a 20-6 record in just the third and fourth years of play. This last 2004 season marks the graduation of the first class that arrived the first year practicing without even playing. Those that entered as freshman in FAU’s initial season are now leaving as seniors. “I’ve vowed to immortalize this group by using the term ‘foundation builders’ and ‘record setting’. It will be enshrined in stone for future teams to remember,” Coach said.
As for the records, Coach cites the distinct honor of being a new contender in the Sun-Belt Conference and, at the same time, being the first conference team to defeat the perennial champions North Texas. On their own turf, no less. Defeating the University of Hawaii in Hawaii was equally unheard of and put FAU on the map contributing to a 5-0 run this season and giving our team a national audience.
“I was so proud,” Coach said. “It gave me a platform few coaches have.” So much so that Coach was invited to the Orange Bowl by ESPN to watch the University of Miami verses University of Louisville game, two programs which Schnellenberger has previously built into national contenders – taking UM to a National Championship title in 1983. “I was able to escort my beautiful wife on the sidelines and receive cheers from the Hurricanes and the Cardinals,” Coach said.
The injury bug and player suspensions marked a mid-season dip, which FAU quickly rebounded from ending the season 9-3. Coach, who is famous for sparking the UM/FSU rivalry in the 1980s, says that FIU looks to be a great nemesis in the future. “It’s a natural rivalry,” Coach said. “We’re neighbors. The faculty, students, and fans are an intertwined group of people. Both schools have the same mission and programs. It looks to become just as bittersweet as a UF/FSU game or Alabama/Auburn.” Also, Coach has made it a team mission to knock North Texas off as the Sun-Belt Conference king of the hill.
In keeping with this, Schnellenberger was delighted with FAU fan support this year. “We saw an increase of one hundred percent,” Coach said. “This without an on-campus stadium.” Coach hopes to reach the 15,000 level mark, a prerequisite for National Championship contention, by next year and hopefully even before the scheduled 2007 induction of the FAU stadium.
Feb. 8 Award Banquet will mark the end of FAU Football’s chapter one as far as Coach is concerned. And he promises chapter two will be just as exciting. With seniors Jared Allen, Roosevelt Bynes, and Tyrone Higgins likely to be drafted to the NFL, and others like Chris Leskowski, Doug Parker, and Mark Myers getting opportunities to try out, Coach has set his sites on recruiting one or two players for every position. “Of the 56 players we’re bringing to campus,” Coach said. “We expect two out of three to sign. That’s very high.” The campus, facilities, faculty, and students are making FAU an attractive choice for high school players. “Due to the success of this graduating class, we’re 2 years ahead in terms of recruiting,” Coach said.
Players who come to FAU can expect to join a close-knit family. “In many cases we get closer to them than their fathers do,” Coach said. “There’s a distinct advantage to not living in the same house. We get to know them in the workplace. And it’s a relationship made up of fond memories. I’m proud that we’ve made them better conditioned, both mentally and physically, than they ever thought possible. They’ve suffered with their teammates – burned the midnight oil in a good cause. It develops a comraderie that is indestructible and everlasting.”
As for chapter two here in Boca, Coach hopes to write in a National Championship for FAU. “Winning a National Championship is as much an act of God as a product of preparation,” Coach said, referring to the voting process and other team records that, in the end, select the National Champion. “All we mortals can do is prepare for that day. When the opportunity comes we have to take full advantage.”
Coach wants to thank his departing/departed assistant coaches this year. Larry Sipel has retired to spend more time with his wife. David Dunn resigned to start a program near his home in New England. And John Bock, who came in as a neophyte and left as a great offensive line coach, has decided to pursue a career in commercial financing.
Stay tuned to the UP for updates on recruiting and the upcoming Spring practices. And get prepared for an even more powerful 2005 season. Good luck to all the players that move on from their FAU careers.
