On Tuesday, February 8, 2005, the FAU football team held their annual awards banquet. The room was in suspense as the emcee announced that President Frank T. Brogan was going to be late to the football banquet because he was at the hospital. There was no word on what had happened, except that he would arrive shortly, which brought a sigh of relief to everyone.
He finally did arrive, just in time for his keynote address. “Sorry I’m late; my wife is in labor,” Brogan said. Then went on to say that the first lady told him to come to the football banquet and help say farewell to the seniors.
Later on, Coach Schnellenberger described the seniors as “foundation builders and record setters.” In a heartfelt goodbye, Schnellenberger thanked the seniors for coming on board five years ago and believing in the program. He also shed some light on next year, preparing the audience and fans for the tough schedule we have ahead. We’ll play University of Louisville, a team Schnellenberger formally coached, and a team he feel is the best in the nation.
Chris Laskowski was the big award getter, winning both the Defensive Most Valuable Player and the Student Athlete Award. Punter Mike Brown took home the honor of Non-Scholarship Player of the Year, and fellow special teams kicker Mark Myers took the honor of Special Teams Player of the Year. The team MVP was no surprise – Quarterback Jared Allen. The President quipped that Allen’s records will be broken when Brogan’s son comes to FAU and plays football.
The Bone Award, given to the player that had the most bone crushing hit of the year, was given to Shomari Earls, whose tackle at Hawaii made SportsCenter’s Top 10 list. Long Snapper Dewain Akerblom won the Most Improved Player Award.
Overall, the banquet honored the coaches, players, and support staff that made this season a successful one. The football book, commemorating the past four seasons of FAU football, was handed out at the banquet. “Tradition in the Making” was a collaborative effort between the University Press, Student Government, and the Athletic Department. The book was a huge hit, and talks are underway to begin selling the book. Look for it at the FAU Bookstore soon.
