Coach Schnellenberger Responds

Dec. 4, 2002

Question from John Myers: First off coach, the coaching staff and the kids need to keep their heads up! Rome wasn't built in a day, success will come one just needs to be patient. Second I believe an on-campus stadium is needed, but one that is compact like the University of Iowa has, where the fans are right up on the field. What do you think?

A: Thanks for your e-mail. I think the football team ended the season with their heads high. They played an extremely tough schedule and competed well. The last game against FIU was very rewarding. And, you are right. A campus stadium is just what Florida Atlantic University needs to be the catalyst for the development of the program and to give all the fans and students an opportunity to see the team play right on campus.

note: Five of the eight Division I-AA opponents FAU faced in 2002 ended the season ranked in the top-30.

Question from Greg Peters: You accepted the challenge of a very difficult schedule this season. Do you believe that playing schedules like this will enable the university to move to Division I-A more quickly than an easier schedule?

A: I think playing a challenging schedule, like what we played this past year was very helpful in developing the playing ability of our football team who in later years will become more confident in their play. All of this will be important as we continue to move towards Division I.

note: FAU played three D I-A opponents in 2002. USF, Troy and UConn.

Question from John Edwards: How come you preach the need for seniority on your team and more experience, yet you openly treat older experienced transfer athletes with little or no respect?

A: We are a young team and we do need to develop leadership as our team grows older. We do have walk-ons who have helped the football team, some in starting roles. We hope to continue the development of our walk-on program in order to give everyone an opportunity.

Question from Justin Dirico: Enough with the rumors. What is the deal with the stadium on campus? Everyone knows it will be the only way the team and school will be recognized as a legit contender in the three main collegiate sports (football, basketball, baseball). And how long until the official I-A jump? What conference woule we go into after being an independent? Are you planning on keeping the same tough schedule next year, which I think is smart.

A: Obviously, a stadium here on our campus would be the very best thing that could happen to our football team and to the University. I think this will become a reality in the not too distant future. We are working hard to become Division I A, this can't happen before 2005. We hope to be qualified at that time. The schedule we have in place is there to help us accomplish that goal.

Question from John Curran Feltham: Coach, I met you way back in 1985 in Lousville. Do you miss U of L. I sure do miss you. I think you are the greatest. That Fiesta Bowl win is still the greatest win of all time and it gives me bragging rights here in Alabama where I live now.

A: I'm certainly proud of the accomplishments at Louisville. You are right, the win over Alabama in the Fiesta Bowl was a highlight and was a catalyst for building the stadium on the campus of Louisville and is one that will be hard to repeat.

Question from Reggie Maldonado: I was wondering what I must do in order to transfer to FAU academically and athletically (walk on). I am currently a freshman at Wilmington College. I really wish to contribute to this program as soon as I transfer.

A: The thing you have to do to become a walk-on is to become a fulltime student at Florida Atlanta, pass the doctor's physical and then tryout for the team. We have many players that do this and a lot of them are playing. Good Luck.

Question from Mark Skinner: Remember me? Little preacher in Louisville that visited with you several times. I'm in Jacksonville now. Hope to see you soon.

A: Hi Mark. Good to hear from you. Sure I remember the times we talked. I knew you were in Jacksonville. Hope all is going well.

Question from Ronnie Williams: I spent 16 years in Louisville as a season ticket holder. You put the U of L program into the national spotlight. Louisville never had a big time program. Your first 3 years you were 8-24-1. It was so exciting seeing some of the teams that showed up on our schedule. I never thought I would see those teams come to plays us. Now I see that you are doing the same thing at FAU. This years schedule compared to last is so much toughter and includes some good playing and well known teams. I assume your strategy at FAU is to compete the first few years at a much higher level. Is this the case? Thanks again for your years and dedication at U of L. With you in football and Denny in basketball, my life following college sports hit the ultimate.

A: I'm very pleased to hear that you were a football fan at Louisville all those years and that you were a part of the exciting things that happened there. You are right, we had to struggle there early on, but it turned out to be very good with our trip to the Fiesta Bowl and then later to the Liberty Bowl. Both are games that I remember and I hope you do too. We are trying to do the same or use the same strategy here at Florida Atlantic.

Question from Steve Peeler: What are your plans on constructing a football stadium for the Florida Atlantic Owls? Has there been any master plan constructed or is it still in the consideration stages? Thanks and good luck.

A: Preliminary plans are underway for an on-campus stadium for the Fighting Owls for the year 2005. The stadium would be a medium size stadium in the rage of 15,000 to 20,000 expandable as needed for the future. This is an essential part of the football program. I'm quite pleased with the reception that the plan has received.

Question from Berger Bankston: What is the status of #13 Joel Fosselman? Will he ever play?

A: Joel Fosselman has undergone back surgery, some months ago. He is in rehab now and making good progress. We feel Joel will be ready to practice in the spring and compete for a position in the summer and in the training camp. We think he is an excellent prospect at quarterback.

Question from Paul Sardinas: Great game against FIU. Seems like a perfect rivalry. Will they be on your schedule next year?

A: We are very excited about the first game played against Florida International. There was a good crowd with a lot of excitement. We will be playing them again next year, on their campus. This is the beginning of a long-term rivalry that will grow into a very exciting game each year. The Don Shula Award has been established for the winner of the game. We expect it to be an annual event for years to come.

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Coach Schnellenberger Responds

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