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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

Hey, Illinoisowl, that's, for good or bad, the nature of sports fans in general…however, as I have pointed out cseveral times on this board, I'm not a proponent of what you just espoused. I've been clear on that. Besides, I don't recall many people that wanted his head, also calling him a great coach after winning those last 4 games last season…just gave him the benefit of the doubt. Actually, we've always had, even at the beginning of this season, the Strock doubters, which are now in force.

I always try to put things in perspective, and, I agree with you, FIU's program is so young, and showing signs of growth. However, I have to also see what others say in our board, and Strock is not a proven commodity in coaching, the way Schnellenberger is. That is a HUGE difference between our programs, in my opinion.

As I recall, it was but a few weeks ago that some posters here were declaring doom and gloom, and even you made a remark along the lines of losing the next Shula Bowls due to, I believe, slow development on the dome building, that I don't think is such a big deal, and won't have any bearing in our rivalry. Again, that's the nature of us fans, and divergence of opinions abound., almost always reflecting our state of mind in the specific moment we write it. Heck, after the 7 overtime loss I made a conscious effort to stay away from writing my emotions at the time. By the next day, I was "cooler"…..

Talon, I agree about Mello and his work for FIU. A great, decent man losing his job is never, in my book, something to feel good about, even if for the overall good of the program you love….Obviously, then I have mixed feelings, as it appears Garcia comes with a renewed optimism and accolades. Time will tell, I guess.
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

Writing from ignorance (one of my favorite positions), I have no idea of the behind-the-scenes machinations. But I have been a sports fan for a lot of years. It is very uncommon for an AD to be moved in the middle of football season. Heck, it's even uncommon for a coach to be ousted in mid-season. I certainly am aware of the FIU football W-L record, as well as the basketball woes. But I also am aware of the progress FIU is making with its on-campus stadium, football scheduling and so forth. What's the story behind the story?
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace


grayowl said

Writing from ignorance (one of my favorite positions), I have no idea of the behind-the-scenes machinations. But I have been a sports fan for a lot of years. It is very uncommon for an AD to be moved in the middle of football season. Heck, it's even uncommon for a coach to be ousted in mid-season. I certainly am aware of the FIU football W-L record, as well as the basketball woes. But I also am aware of the progress FIU is making with its on-campus stadium, football scheduling and so forth. What's the story behind the story?

I've been asking myself this question since it was announced. It only makes sense, I would say, if there was something more to it? I sincerely have no idea, since it seems the FIU administration was more interested in hiring Garcia, than in just re-assigning Mello. If not, they would have gotten someone in the department to run Athletics in an Interim way….?????
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

The "motive" is simple - our administration wants to "shake things up." They're not happy with the state of the athletic program. The baseball team has not been back to regionals since 2002 when they were consistently in the postseason in the 90's and early 00's, our basketball team continues to be subpar and our football program, despite what some on here and elsewhere think, is underachieving (5 losses by 14 points…in each of those games, we were either in the lead or within striking distance before making a bonehead decision).

The stadium is an accomplishment that Mello helped bring to fruition. He deserves great credit for it. But don't forget that FIU has some very wealthy benefactors who helped that stadium also become a reality. One of those is the Miccosukee Indian Tribe.

Did Rick Mello do an admirable job? Absolutely. He has one of the biggest hearts of any administrator at the university. But when things aren't going to the liking of the administration, changes are made. Fair or not fair. Again, I wish him well because he is a good, good person.
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

Gotta get rid of your baseball coach too.....useless.
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

What I was think about this is, some members on the board, Playmale being one, are not big sports fans and are not sure they want to go "big time" with sports, namely football. This is what I've read. If I'm wrong correct me.

What I am hoping is some or all of the BoT hear about what FIU is trying to do and realize that they need to approve the dome to bring our program to the next level. We have the coaches in place, the AD. As a matter of fact, FAU has some real good coaches right now. Our facilities suck and thats what WE need right now.

FAU - THE REAL SLEEPING GIANT
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

I agree with IllinoisOwl. We have the right coaches, particularly Coach Schnellenberger. Here's where we're lacking: bricks and mortar.
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

Just an FYI about Garcia. He was one of THE major rebuilders of the University of Miami's football program while they were on probation and coming out of it. He has a great eye for raw talent that doesn't get the same looks, especially when they player is 3 * or less.

Now, I'm not sure how much influence or activity he will have in the recruiting process, but if he has any, he could help FIU become a strong program in a short period of time (2 years).
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

If it were that easy, don't you think FAU would be farther along now. I mean Howard Schnelleberger has rebuilt two teams to national prominence. He must have the same instincts and professional judgment as Garcia has and maybe more. UM has a great reputation as a football powerhouse. How much effort does it take to get one of the most successful football programs in history back on top. I know it isn't easy but it is easier than taking an unknown school with a brand new program and no facilities to the top. FIU at least has facilities. Thats a plus in their favor.

What is keeping the master of rebuilding from building a strong program at FAU? Or do we have a strong program? Young but strong.

Any opinions?


Its been posted on the FIU board that Howard has lost his winning touch.


FAU - THE REAL SLEEPING GIANT
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FIU AD Mello reassigned, UM's Garcia to replace

Per the FIU board, what do you think?




 Re: Strock Swan Song?
? Reply #2 on Today at 11:32am ?


Today at 11:20am, FIUSportsFan wrote:According Mr. Panther, on the Sid Rosenberg show on 790 The Ticket, the Sun-Sentinel beat writer for UM was saying that Pete Garcia initially turned down the FIU job but was persuaded when they doubled his salary and agreed to let him bring in his own people, and Strock is definitely not one of his people. The most likely outcome is that Strock will be fired at the end of the season. So goes the rumor.

If so, thank you Lord! Time to get a true football coach, not a care taker.


He may not be the coach for this program, but let's not go the mudslingin' route. When no one else stepped up, Don Strock did and made the FIU football program a reality. So have some respect for Strock and what he's done for FIU football. Just like up the road in Boca Raton at FAU…..Schnellenberger may have lost his winning touch but you can't just bury what the 2 of them had envisioned for these very young and new programs. I hope the Shula Bowl name and trophy remains in place long after they're both gone to honor the "Fathers" of both programs. Strock was instrumental in getting us the chance to play a team like Alabama from the Coach Shula connection alone.
? Last Edit: Today at 11:35am by ARod


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http://fiuathleticscom.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1160752843

FAU - THE REAL SLEEPING GIANT
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