Spring football practice began on March 30 for the FAU Owls, and more than a few new faces were on hand for the first workout of this very young season. In South Florida, we are lucky to have warm and sunny days in late March, and this could prove beneficial for the Owls efforts to field the most strong and prepared team for the season opener Sept. 8 at Kansas. In most other areas of the country, the field conditions are sub par at the end of the winter season, but from the second floor balcony of the Oxley Center, it is clear to see that the money and efforts that went into a world class practice facility on campus are paying off. Looking out onto the two perfectly manicured playing surfaces; one has to give props to the hard working field-management crews who are out there all winter.
The grass isn’t the only thing that is green on the field this year. With many youngsters on the squad, this season should be a turning point for the Owls. While FAU lost more players than they gained in the off season, including prominent offensive and defensive seniors such as Doug Parker, Jared Allen, Chris Laskowski, Johnnie Sloan, and Ramon Rickards, the new faces in the lineup are hoping that this could be their breakthrough year. Pascal Beaubrun, an outside linebacker out of Miami Krop Senior High, said, “This is a great chance for a walk-on role.” While the loss of great four-year starters is always disappointing, the coaching staff will be looking for walk-on players to take charge and win a starting position. As for the ferocious line-up in the Owls schedule this season, Beaubrun stated that, “You have to play great teams to make great teams,” which could never have been more true. FAU players should remember statements like this during crunch time this season and use it to their advantage.
This Fall will be FAU’s first full season in the big transition to Division 1-A, and yes, it will surely be difficult. But one thing is certain, under Howard Schnellenberger, the team will be prepared. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Fans should be excited about regularly seeing their team on a national stage, starting out with a match up against Kansas from the Big 12 conference, followed by a meeting with the Oklahoma State Sooners. Many a small market school from a small market conference would shudder at the thought of opening the season against such established foes, but FAU is welcoming the opportunity, for obvious reasons – namely, money. Big checks accompany big match ups, and if the Owls are destined to be a big money team with an on-campus stadium, then this is the only way to go. Schnellenberger, who of course has done this all before, is being appropriately realistic about the situation, and knows that the team has a lot of scrimmaging to do this summer to be fully prepared. Nevertheless, there is change in the air. There is excitement surrounding this team. You can feel it out there. The end of Friday’s practice went “full go” for the players so they will know what to expect. FAU Fans are invited every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4 p.m. to the second floor balcony of the beautiful Oxley Center to enjoy some food and football talk while overlooking the practicing team.
