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Is there still a chance to have the stadium ready for opening day in 2010?

 

The excitement has been building for a while now and what a better way to set the stage then having a BCS opponent help christen the start of a new era for FAU athletics and for the university. 

Even though the window of opportunity is shrinking, there is still hope that it can get done in time for opening day on 2010. 

"The train is roaring down the tracks toward opening [the on-campus stadium] in 2010, the architects are on board, the construction folks are on board and it [stadium] has been designed, but the piece that needs to drop into that fast moving train is that financing piece," said FAU Athletics Director Craig Angelos. 

 

It's no mystery that the finances have been holding back the process, but it's the biggest piece of the puzzle left to be ironed out.  Angelos added that "the part of the puzzle trying to outsource the housing [part of the Innovation Village] for $12 million and that will be the first domino to fall and so we can use that $12 million dollars to help fund the stadium and then the housing will get going."

 

"The infrastructure is underway: the Alumni center across the street, the student recreation center, that mall going up on the south side is taking shape the way we anticipated, but the majority of the stuff we have been planning is going on the north side of the street, so everything is going to fall into place."

 

As the pieces of the puzzle continue to fall into place, Angelos remains positive that the financial aspect will fall into place in time by adding "we're hoping that [the finances] will drop in time for us to still keep that on track and keep that train moving quickly to reach it's destination in 2010."

 

"If that doesn't happen in a month or two then we will probably have to pull back on the speed of the train and maybe it won't make it by 2010 - maybe make it later on," he said.

 

How much later? 2011 or 2012? Angelos responded with "I would hope when we pull it back [speed of the train] that it will be a matter of months not years.

 

Angelos remains positive that it can still get done in time for 2010.

"Once we hit our financial numbers then we are ready to lock in. Right now I'm still optimistic for 2010 until I see otherwise."

 

The financial benefits of opening day would be a huge boost for the program, not only in turn of the being able to capitalize on what could be one of the largest crowds for an Owl game, but all the possible donors that this event could attract. 

Can Florida Atlantic afford to miss the opportunity on capitalizing on any possible momentum that this grand event would create - the grand opening of "FAU Stadium" on Opening Day 2010 against the Spartans? It has all the makings of a monster event that would surely benefit the Owl program on many levels, not quite the same effect if we open the stadium later in the year against a conference foe? Although, in all fairness, there is one out-of-conference game still to be scheduled in 2011.

 

Sure there is the potential of some short term losses if the stadium is not ready for opening day 2010, but the big picture is the future of the program- and in the long haul, the effect it will have on the program in general is what we need to look at.  It is a much needed piece of the puzzle to the continued success that has been unprecedented for a young program.

 

 

So regardless of whether it is ready for opening day 2010, the thought of having a place to call home in 2010 should not be under sold. The event, regardless on when it happens, will mark one more step taken, one more accomplishment completed on a road lined with a bright future as the university continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

 

Talented Wide Receiver Adds Depth To Owls Roster

 

DeAndre Richardson, a 6'-2' 180 LB WR from Bay High School in Panama City, is one of the latest additions to the talented recruiting corps Howard Schenellenberger and staff have put together.

 

Richardson wasn't always so sure of his football ability in the early going as a youngster, but he stuck with it, and it paid off:  "At first, when I was young I didn't think I could play at that level.  Now it's a blessing from God knowing I'm moving on", he said on national signing day this past Wednesday.

 

Like many other talented recruits in the Sunshine State, he wanted to stay close to home.  "DeAndre likes FAU's brand of ball, and he wanted to stay in state", offered Bay High school Coach Mike Healey. 

 

Healey said that FAU, who was faithful in its pursuit, has been recruiting Richardson for the last few years.  The relationship he was able to forge with the FAU coaching staff helped him feel comfortable and at home with his decision.

 

Bay had a tough season this year, going 0-9, but that didn't stop Richardson from excelling both on the field and off the field.  He has had to play several roles due to a youthful line-up on the roster, and rose to meet the challenges presented to him .  "DeAndre is a hard working guy.  Tremendous work ethic.  He's a leader both on and off the field.  His best skill attribute is that he really goes up for the ball", said Healey.

 

"My team was young and I knew I had to step up and be a leader," Richardson said. "Every time I came to practice or played in a game I knew I had to work hard."

 

He is likely to make a significant contribution to the owls receiving corps given his exceptional leaping ability, but also looks to learn as well:  "They focus a lot on separation from the cornerback," Richardson said. "Me, I go on my route then go up for the ball. It will be good for me to learn separation."

 

Last season, he led his area with 559 yards receiving, had nine touchdowns, and received first-team All-County and All-District honors.

 

Richardson's fellow Team mate, defensive tackle Khyri Thornton, has committed to South Florida for the 2009 season.  They are both looking forward to meeting on the field once again when Florida Atlantic takes on the Bulls in Tampa during the 2010 season.

 

 

Owls Continue to Improve in Secondary Recruiting

Florida Atlantic continues to build an impressive incoming class within the Secondary despite not meeting the industry web standards of "stars" to go along with the rapidly growing list of quality talent it is collecting.

Hands down, this is shaping up to be the best Secondary class FAU will have enjoyed to date.  And with the continued defensive line concerns, which we hope will enjoy the same success in recruiting, is a welcomed addition to the roster.

One of the recent additions to this growing list is Keith Reaser, the first cousin of the late and great Sean Taylor who died tragically at the hands of senseless violence.

Reiser is truly a talented "diamond in the rough".  FAU seems to have a keen eye for picking up this caliber and type of player; although Reaser did not go unnoticed having received full ride offers from a number of Sun Belt schools and also NC State of the Atlantic Coast Conference.  

Here is a highlight video of the skills Reaser brings with his recent verbal commitment to FAU.

 

 

You can also check out an ESPN grading and a full write up on Keith from Florida Football here.

Thanks goes out to our newest Owl's Nest Team Member and Recruiting Corespondent, Jared Bordin, for this information.

 

 

Cerge Sincere is a player I always enjoy having a conversation with. I had a chance to talk with him after the basketball game against Florida International, the annual "Bury the Burrow in Red" game, and it seems like he has been busy keeping his dream alive of playing football after college.  

One of the most memorable talks I had with Cerge was on Bourbon Street in Dec., 2007 after the New Orleans Bowl victory. Cerge exemplifies the character of what a true ambassador of a growing program should be and the experience of watching the players and how they conducted themselves on Bourbon Street that night brought a great sense of pride in the program. These young men where representing their school and how they (the players) are true ambassadors for a growing program in a positive manner.

His hard work has paid off as he finds himself on a roster of a new development league, the United National Gridiron League, playing for the Ohio Bulldogs ( Team Ohio Roster).

He is joined by a few Sun-Belt conference members: LB Marcus Richardson (Troy)  and DT Marcus Pittman (Troy).

 

Here is an article on the new league: Story

The league kickoff date is set for a February 8, with training camp opening on January 23.

 

Sincere isn't the only ex-Owl on a UNGL roster. Former kicker/punter Mike Brown, who will be playing for Team Texas (Team Texas Roster), will also be teammates with former Sun-Belt members LB Keyonvis Bouie (FIU) and LB Romanique Lewis (Troy).

And former Linebacker Quentin Swain will be lining-up for Team Georgia (Team Georgia Roster), along with FB Keronna Henderson from North Texas.

 

With NFL Europe now defunct, it's not a surprise that another league found a way into existence. Hopefully, the league stays intact long enough to give guys like Sincere, Swain and Brown an opportunity to show off what they are capable of doing as they continue to pursue their dream of  playing in the NFL.

Press release from FAU media Relations:

Some of you have been faithful members from the very beginning when this web site started out as a message forum (only) set up by OG Owl and has now grown to be much more.

The  vision I have for this site started as far back as  '04-'05, early stages of this forum and when OG Owl was still around.  I remember the day I brought a few of my ideas to the table and the reaction I got from OG, "you have your work cut out for you".  So much truth in that statement. 

Part of that vision included, recruiting information.  This is something that has been in the works for a couple of years now & finally coming to fruition. 

Yesterday, marked the first step for the Owls Nest stepping in the play ground dominated by the big boys.  This will be a work in progress, but regardless it comes down to providing The Owl Nest members with reliable and accurate information.

Acting like a little kid yesterday, I found it hard to contain and withhold the information on our two latest verbals - RB Tyrie Allen and OL Chris Chappell, without much supporting information (with Owls Nest members doing some leg work of their own).

Further information on both players will soon follow and probably include something on the other recruits as the members of  The Owls Nest team continue to expand the coverage of FAU athletics.  Hopefully, by weekend ends, all information will be up on the main site with links to supporting information on each individual players. 

The Site itself is a work in progress, as we continue to grow the Owls Nest Team and continue to develop the site to provide the wealth of information fans seek.


Francois Rioux
President of Anthem Sports
"The Owls Nest" Team member








 

Dec. 31:

First, I have to give credit to the Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach Post and other scribes who blog daily about FAU. It isn't easy to do. I found it hard trying to write a blog that would be interesting to readers, while tactful enough for the Internet.

 

The trip - from beginning to end

 

The Detroit airport, or at least the terminal I came in on and the path I walked to the executive sedan, was not very busy. What really irked me about the airport is that it wasn't decorated with Motor City Bowl banners at all. If you weren't an Owl or a Chip, you didn't know there was a game going on.

 

The drive to the hotel from the airport was awesome. I'm a huge sports fan, so seeing things like Joe Louis Arena, Ford Field and Comerica Park really excited me.

 

The team hotel was nice... very nice. In fact, it was so nice, and the players were always walking around looking for something to do, I thought they weren't focused enough on the game. I'm glad I was wrong.

 

For entertainment, the players went ice skating, played in the snow and hung around in the lobby. There was a mall attached to the hotel, but I didn't go roaming around too much.

 

On Christmas Day, the hotel had us locked in, figuratively speaking. There was only a pizza place to eat outside the hotel, so the $28 meatloaf at the hotel restaurant was the way to go. And the state prohibits alcohol sales, so that put us in a bit of a crunch.

 

Dinner was nice; player's families included the Matlocks, Roses, Sotos, Paris' and the Bonners. Alumni included Leigh Slowiak and her husband Jim, both Owl Club members and avid Owl supporters, Bruce and Brian Silk, and their wives, all FAU alumni from the 60s (I love speaking with alumni from that FAU time period. They have so many great stories), and I saw Ted and Tom sitting with Katrina as well, even though they weren't part of the "fan dinner."

 

The next day is well documented on the blog, so I won't go into too much detail. Although I will add a few things that didn't make it in to the blog... or that I didn't have time to write about after the trip.

 

I ended up going to a casino. And I lost $100 in blackjack. But I am going to justify myself by saying this:

I went up $150, and I said to myself "one more hand." So I threw $50 down....

I was dealt two aces. So what do I do? (especially since the dealer had a 7 showing) I split the aces - now my ante is $100 for the hand, but I'm sitting pretty with two aces. My first hit was a two. Well, that stunk; I had a 13 against a dealer 7 showing. Next card - another ace. So, I split those. Now my bet is $150 (what I've won so far), and I was dealt a 3 and another 2. So I lost all three to the dealer's 17, and from there, I lost the rest of the money quickly.

 

Leaving the casino and crossing the street, then waiting outside the hotel where the MCB pep rally was, a gentleman came running out of the hotel chased by four security guards who were much larger than him.

 

I thought about getting a picture, but I would have had to dig into my jacket...on my belt clip...and he might have thought I was getting a gun. So I didn't get my camera phone. But this guy was F*ing this and F*ing that all up and down the hotel sidewalk. He even kicked something and the security guards laughed.

 

Well... that made him even matter. So now five security guards vs. one angry fella who just got booted from the casino. The angry fella finally left, but it was entertaining...and a bit scary.

 

After the pep rally, we walked back to the team hotel and found some Owl fans on the way that followed us. The young man in the family was a member of the FAU band, so we sang the fight song once.

 

Someone at the bar graciously bought us shots? I don't know who he was. But he was sitting alone at the hotel lobby bar, claiming he was from Tampa. So he asked what we were doing up here, and we pumped up our chests and boldly said "we are here to see our Owls!" He laughed and called us stupid for traveling to Detroit to see FAU? But he said it with the FA-Who? kind of tone. He did admit it was "cool" that we made the trip though.

 

So when we asked why he was up in Detroit... he held out his chest boldly and said "I just met a girl last week at some party in Florida and she said she lived up here. So I told her I would come and visit and I'm here. She knows I'm up here but since I arrived, she still claims she is 'getting ready.'

 

When we returned to the bar five hours later after the game, he was still there... no girl. Who's the stupid one?

 

On the way to the game from the hotel, Dirty Mike, FAUALUM05 and his two friends, and two other alumni we met at the FAUNAA pre-party at the hotel walked about one mile on icy sidewalks. No one fell, but I thought for sure I was going to.

 

As we got closer to the game, people were scalping tickets. And then we arrived...Ford Field literally appeared from behind a building.

 

Ever watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Seeing Ford Field reminded me of the scene from the movie where Chevy Chase sees the "family Christmas tree" in the forests and a gold light shines down from above and a song starts playing.

 

Yep, that's the feeling I got.

 

Outside the stadium: ALL CHIPS. ALLLLLLLL Chips. And one Spartan. But all Chips. Why? Because FAU fans were already inside. The alumni and the players families were already seated, and FAUALUM05, Dirty Mike and I seemed to be the last ones to get there... 20 minutes before kickoff.

 

(side note: obviously we know when to enter into a game unlike the other folks at Lockhart who would still be playing beer pong! J LOL)

 

The game was amazing. The fans were great. And the Chip fans that entered into our section quickly left after our final fourth quarter touchdown.

 

I met one "fan" from Detroit who wants to go to FAU and loves Rusty Smith. He was about 10 years old. When I asked him why he wanted to go to FAU, he said "because I love Rusty."

 

And that's where we left it. I gave his dad my business card and I'll update everyone if I get an e-mail from the dad. I'd love to hook him and his son to come to FAU games and to FAU for an education.

 

The post-game celebration on the field was very emotional. I'm not going to lie to you... and for those of you who were in 'Nawlins last year, you know this too. I got on the field and gave coach a hug and tears started to come down my cheek.

 

The players were jubilant, the coaches were excited and there's nothing that can be said to put that feeling into words.

 

The walk home from the stadium with Dirty Mike and his friend from FAU was awesome. We sang the fight song once or twice and I think "We Are the Champions" came out of my mouth, but I didn't know all the words, and without Paul Metcalf, Jarred Torres and former prOWLer Director  Bobby Johnson singing with me, it wasn't the same as 'Nawlins.

 

I went to bed at midnight so I didn't stay for the player's post-game shin-dig at the team hotel. But the FAU NAA did a great job of setting everything up and everyone should get a membership to the FAU NAA so that the membership money can be used to do more events like that. (OK I'll admit, shameless plus, but all alumni should dip into their pockets and pay the $25 or $40 to become a member so events like that can happen at next year's away games).

 

Only time will tell what this win will do for the university. Will our applications for admissions go up? Will more people join the Owl Club and FAU NAA? Will "better" recruits come our way?

 

The tradition of success continues and I'm glad that I could be a part of it.

 

Tradition in the Making...One Alumni at a Time,

-$'07

Welcome "Home"

A small, but festive crowd of 25+, and two dogs (yes dogs) gathered at the Oxley Center tonight to welcome home the Fighting Owls - fresh off their triumphant victory in Detroit.

Plenty of wind on hand, which resulted in some cool temps.  But that didn't keep the Dirty Birds from firing up the grill for some tasty hot dogs, and "undisclosed beverages".

First to meet the lens, was The BullDog.  I think we need to put this one in the endzone for a game.  Could deter visiting Teams a bit from scoring if they knew it was lurking there to meet them upon arrival in forbidden territory.

 

 

Good thing Dirty Phil had his Chihuahua on hand to keep him in line.  Thought I might be bait, as he looked awful hungry after smelling those hot dogs going on the grill and wasn't offered any.  But, after seeing Phil's loyal companion standing by, I felt much safer.  Check out those eyes.

 

Some of the faithful Fans who begin gathering as early as 6:00PM.

 

Recognize the older gentleman in the left corner of the photo?  Probably so.  That is the infamous "Medicaid Mike".  A regular on Ted Hutton's FAU Sports Blog, Mike is about the most loyal fan you could ever run across, and he has logged more special event, practice, and game time attendance hours than any other FAU Fan known to man. A real trooper.  Here's Mike donning the banner he proudly displays along his travels throughout Owl Country with the Dirtys on hand and Vince Paris (father of Nick Paris).

 

Arrival in Boca Raton

The Team landed at Fort Lauderdale executive Airport around 7:10PM, and made thier way back to Boca via the FAU Police escort; arriving at The Ox around 8:40pm.

First off the bus was The Voice, who gave a triumphant wave to onlookers as they cheered.

 

He was followed by fellow Owls all happy to be back in Boca Raton with another Bowl Trophy to don in the Oxley Center.

 

WR "Snoop" Gent

 

DE Daniel Joeseph

 

Corey Small clutching a Team autographed ball we will all Hope to get a copy of.

 

TE Jamari Grant

 

TE Rob Housler

 

DE Michael Hancock, who enjoyed a fine Senior season.

 

Nick Paris and Family (father and sister).

 

 

Dirty Phil wasted no time in hitting the recruiting trail for the "Dirty Birds" next member after catching sight of Nick; who has aspirations of becoming a Coach at some point.  Owl Country wishes him well in that endeavor, and will certainly miss this Senior.  He's a special guy.  Whatever the Good Lord has in store for Nick after FAU, we're all sure that he will do well.

 

 

Final Thoughts 

A special Homecoming for a Special Team.  Tired, withered, and victorious was the air for the event.  We have all benefited from their never give up attitude this year.  Here is a Team that began the year at 1-5, and  went on to trod were none had been before; becoming the only Team , All-Time, to win two consecutive Bowl Games in only 7 years of exsistence.  Unheard of.  What a spectacular feat.  One which, in all likelihood, will never be accomplished again.

The night was a fitting ending to a successful Season for the Owls of FAU.  Glad to have been a part of it.

 

Good morning Owl Country!

Received this update from Smitty this morning...sounds like he is officially off to a good start on the journey to the Motor City Bowl...

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

==================================================================

 

They guy I spoke with about parking yesterday was correct. There was parking!

 

The current thread advisory, ya know... The color codes the government came up with, is orange. I'm looking for a phone that does the intercom in the terminal so I can get on there and say... "The current level is bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. Go Owls"

 

 

I would probably get arrested. But I'd have a good story to tell.

Interesting note: Apparently my name is on a "no fly" list. We all know its not me, but someone with a similar... Or the same name.

Maybe I'm being sabotaged by CMU fans? Nahhhh they are too nice.

I bet I'm being sabotaged my Hutton. He's afraid more people will read my blog than his! LOL just kidding

I hope Santa was good to those that celebrate.

Wheels up in t-minus 60 minutes.

Live from McDonalds in Terminal 2 at San Antonio International Airport,
-$'07

 

10:21AM UPDATE:  Boarding for Detroit

 

 

 

Checking in from Dallas. Looking around the airport, it's very clear that I'm the lone Owl in the Lonestar state's largest airport.

Other schools being repped, besides the hometown teams, include Arizona, Vanderbilt, Michigan State and Arizona State.

 
If there is an Owl fan, they'll find me. I'm wearing a MCB hat, FAU polo, FAU warm-up jacket and my FAU ring and watch. But if someone identifies themselves as an Owl after noticing my ring or watch, that means they were way to close tome and checking out my valuables a little to closely.

On my plane flight here there were some WVU Mountaineers, but I didn't get a chance to speak with them.

I talked with some FAU players and parents over the past week and tried to find out who is coming from where.

Rob Housler, who hails from San Antonio, said his parents weren't making the trip, but his family from NY was.

Nick Paris' mom and brother as well as Wertepney's (spelling?)family are coming in from Florida.

There is also a family of a player coming in from Corpus Christi, Texas.

Dirty Mike is flying in from New York as well.

I'm sure there are a lot more, but those are the ones that I am aware of.

I'll check back in when I get to the hotel. Tonight is the fan dinner at 8 p.m. and then tomorrow is the day we've all been waiting for.

As for now, I'm going to wander around the terminal and find me a Chippewa! 

 -$mitty

 

Never short for words, a comedic Nick Paris describes himself "like candy mixed with steel", empowered with the gift to make people laugh, some might get the impression that he is a bit of aloof off the field. But on the gridiron, he is all business.

 

Armed with a big heart, Paris' unselfish nature tends to lead him to rally behind the underdogs. It's no wonder why he landed at a start-up program like Florida Atlantic.  His character leans to the type of players Schnellenberger recruited when he started building this program.

 

As a freshman in high school, Nick wasn't sure he was cut out to play football. His unwillingness to give up helped him find a calling that now consumes every fiber of his physical being.  Owl fans are happy he found his passion for a game he seems to have mastered.

 

Heading into the season opener against Texas,  the Owls needed to be at full strength to remotely have a chance to compete with the Longhorns. And when the injury bug hit, the biggest loss might have been to offensive linemen Nick Paris.  Having battled through a couple of injuries, Paris never allowed the set backs bring him down, and instead used it as motivation to comeback stronger.

 

The loss of Paris not only is measured in terms of experience loss, but the intangibles he brings to the line.  Like Paris would say, he influences the "fat guys."  He is a battle tested general down in the trenches and brings an element of calmness to a chaotic battlefield. 

 

 Schnellenberger re-emphases what having a player in the line up like Nick Paris is like: "Nick has been a starter for three years. When you lose a player like Nick you are losing one-fifth of your experience and your technique, your ability to play together. So it is natural that he is somewhat more than 20 percent of the offensive line," Schnellenberger said.

 

So when the general found his way back into the lineup in time for conference play, it also brought some stability to an offense that never seemed to find any rhythm.  And every week since Paris return, there has been a renewed "swagger" to the Owls offense.  The running game seems to have flourished with Nick's return. The benefit have been resounding as the offense looks to be returning to their 2007 form.

 

Asking Schnellenberger if there is any correlation on how the offense seemed to have found its groove again with the return of Nick Paris, he said, "I absolutely do. Nick is an integral part of this football team and has been his entire career here, not only as a football player but as a signal caller for the line and in the entertainment division of the line."

 

Can one person have so much impact and be instrumental in the turnaround for an offense trying to find any kind of rhythm? Maybe not, but it is hard to deny what the experience and leadership of a Nick Paris-type player brings to this team - his fun nature seemed to have made a big difference.  This is a different team, one with a bit more bravado.

Edited by: Rick Smith