See photos from the event

Coach Howard Schnellenberger and his record-breaking FAU Owls finally brought their championship celebrations home.

After winning the Sun Belt championship on Dec. 1 in Troy, Alabama the Owls earned an invitation to the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 21, winning that as well.

On Saturday at FAU’s Boca campus Arena, the Owls had a chance to celebrate with their ever-expanding fan base by way of trophy presentations, a tribute video and the unveiling of championship banners.

Aside from the coaches and players, honored guests were FAU President Frank Brogan, Boca Raton Mayor Steve Abrams, Student Government President Tony Teixeira, and Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters.

Themes of the day were not just the unprecedented success of the team but the breakneck pace in which it occurred. The Owls became the fastest team to make it to and win a bowl game, doing so in just their seventh season.

“This is just the beginning, I promise you,” said Waters before presenting trophies to Brogan and Schnellenberger.

The festive crowd rose to a standing ovation at the first mention of Schnellenberger’s name.

“Who said Boca Raton isn’t a great football town?” asked Abrams.

Schnellenberger honored the departing seniors and thanked the fans for their support, especially those who made the trip to New Orleans.

“People all over the world had the chance to see Florida Atlantic University’s football team for the first time,” the legendary coach said. “And I bet a lot of them said ‘God, boy they’re pretty damn good.'”

In the end, the event was a chance to thank and appreciate the players for their dedication.

“Never before in my career have I had a group of guys that stayed focused so long and so well,” Schnellenberger said.