Upcoming Event: Football at Florida on September 5, 2026 at TBA
TBA
Football
at Florida
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
President's Welcome
1/8/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
September 9, 2000
Boca Raton , FL - We have become real. We have strong bodies in uniforms and unique personalities in helmets. And, with 858 days elapsed and 364 to go, President Anthony Catanese met his football team for the first time.
On Thursday afternoon at 5:00, my assistant coaches and 135 players assembled to meet their visionary president. Delayed by affairs of state, Tony and I walked briskly across campus to Fleming Hall where the team anxiously awaited our arrival. I brought my boss up to date on team practices, progress on the time line, and pressing issues at hand.
I had the honor of introducing President Catanese who delivered his powerful message. Words of pride were mixed with sincere appreciation. He expressed gratitude to these athletes for their collective decisions to commit themselves to the growth and development of FAU's first football team.
Our president spoke of many great colleges and universities across the land and the role of football in building those institutions. He explained football as integral to the growth and prominence of Florida Atlantic University.
He talked of the hard work and countless long hours of hard work that lie ahead of us. He addressed the inevitable trials and errors that will occur throughout this journey to national prominence.
But Dr. Catanese spoke most eloquently about the importance of education in their lives. His message was simple, each player must give unselfishly of themselves on the field for the team. The very same level of determination and hard work is vital to fulfilling their dreams of graduation.
Not lost in the President's inspirational words were tales of his own days on the gridiron at Rutgers. He expressed that his coaches and fellow players gave him lifelong lessons that continue to serve him well.
After resounding applause, we presented Dr. Catanese with a photograph taken on the first day of practice from the second floor of the Tom Oxley Athletic Center. The panoramic picture is of the very first assemblage of 165 walk-on players and 20 scholarship athletes with their coaches. The plaque is inscribed, "To President Anthony J. Catanese from his inaugural team. Thank you for the vision of FAU Football." We were all touched by the moment.
And so this day has come and gone. Dr. Catanese is about university business, and the football team returns to the gridiron.
On Saturday, September 23rd, it's your turn to meet your football team. FAU Football will play an intrasquad scrimmage on the Tom Oxley Practice Field at 4:00. FestivOwl follows with a barbeque and celebrity event.
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