By Scott Morganroth

On Oct. 15, 2010, ground was broken on the new FAU stadium and, exactly one year later, the $70 million facility hosted the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers as the start of a new era began in FAU Sports History.

Construction workers worked seven days a week, giving up their Sundays, to make Saturday’s opener a reality. This is the only stadium in the United States where you can see the Atlantic Ocean, only 2.1 miles away.

But the road to this beautiful venue saw Coach Howard Schnellenberger, Athletic Director Craig Angelos, former President Frank Brogan and his successor Dr. Mary Jane Saunders witness some lopsided defeats to some of the most heralded football programs in the country.

FAU took the guaranteed large payouts to Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Texas and USF.

There were four notable wins as FAU defeated Hawaii, Central Michigan, Memphis and Minnesota.

A year ago, the Michigan State Spartans were supposed to open up FAU Stadium, but that never materialized. FAU’s home game was moved to Ford Field as the Owls shared a home with the Detroit Lions. FAU lost this game, 30-17.

So instead of seeing the Spartans, Owls fans saw their team lose 0-20 to the Hilltoppers in front of 29,103 people. Score could have been worse for FAU if Western Kentucky would have converted three field goals and an extra point.

But these numbers tell the story!

FAU had only six first downs, 25 rushing and 121 total yards. More importantly, Owls fans will have to wait until Saturday against Middle Tennessee State to see the first points in the new stadium at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, No. 23 Michigan State defeated state rival No. 11 Michigan 28-14 in East Lansing, a place that wasn’t kind to the Owls earlier this year. The Spartans whitewashed FAU 44-0 on Sept. 10 in East Lansing.

When the contest was over, there was a huge sense of happiness and relief that the new on-campus stadium dream has become a reality.

By the same token, now that the opener is over, reality has set in that FAU is, currently, 0-6 and 0-3 in the Sun Belt Conference. Owls are in last place and know they have to start winning games.

Quarterback David Kooi said, “Our offense was shaky and we put no points on the board. We didn’t execute and just hurt ourselves. This was a great atmosphere and we didn’t get the job done. I just want to say I’m sorry to the fans.”

Running back Alfred Morris added, “I’m very disappointed and wanted it so bad. We just couldn’t get it together. This was a very exciting atmosphere. It was crazy. We’ll try to get them next time.”

Senior defensive back Marcus Bartels was in a somber mood when he said, “I never expected this. We feel like we let everybody down. I want to apologize to the fans.”

Coach Schnellenberger said,” I’ve never been in a situation like this before. We worked so hard and so long to make this stadium. We played badly on the offensive side of the ball. We expected to win this game, but, yet, played so poorly in front of dedicated fans. That’s what happened and I have to deal with that. I’m the coach and I have to do fix this situation.”

Former Owls QB Rusty Smith, now of the Tennessee Titans, came in town due to his teams bye week. On this day, the Owls could have used him in his old No.11 jersey.

But now, the stadium is open for business. The team has to focus on winning since there will be no more hype. It’s all business as the Owls hope to send Schnellenberger out on a respectable note with six games left in his 52-year coaching career.

By Rachel Galvin

Beginning on Sept. 9 and ending on Oct. 31, 25-year-old local FAU graduate Fabio Barbieri will venture on a harrowing and heroic 2,000-mile journey for 51 days across Japan to raise money for those affected by the March 2011 tsunami. His sojourn starts in Japan’s northernmost point at Cape Soya and ends at the Southern tip, Cape Sata. This is the Lighthouse Point resident’s first trip to Japan.

Barbieri, who attended Cardinal Gibbons High, but was a senior at Zion Lutheran and graduated from there, said, “I have traveled a lot and have always wanted to go to Japan. Having recently graduated with an MBA and being done with school for good, I decided to treat myself to a trip. I have been saving up money for a new car, but one day, I thought to myself ‘I could go the safe route … buy my car, get a 9-5 job right away and start saving for a house … or … what else could I do?’ At that point, Japan came into my mind, having always been a dream of mine to go there. So, after some research I figured that, with my budget, the only way for me to see the country would be to camp out. Finally, I said to myself, why not also make it into a fundraiser while I am at it? So I did, and came up with the idea to cycle the length of the country to raise money for disaster relief. You can’t really raise funds unless you do something out of the ordinary, so that’s how the idea came about.”

Barbieri, who graduated with an MBA in Operations Management, does not classify himself as a cyclist or a camping enthusiast, but obviously, he is a philanthropist, using his heart to lead him to give back to those in need. He is hoping to raise at least $5,000 in disaster relief.

Funds will go to Second Harvest Japan, a food bank that will ship supplies to affected people. He will be donating time to work with Second Harvest while in Tokyo. He also will work with All-Hands to help with rebuilding efforts.

Asked what he is most looking forward to, he said, “I am looking forward to reaching Cape Sata (the finish line) and screaming at the top of my lungs in satisfaction!” He added, “ I am afraid mostly of where I will be sleeping at night as I have never camped out in random places, or anywhere for that matter!”

Several companies have pitched in to help Fabio’s journey by providing supplies and discounted services that he may need along the way. He plans on camping out in a tent or possibly in the home of a kind stranger.

He hopes this effort will not only help countless people in Japan, but also open his eyes into a new culture and inspire others who follow his blog. To see pictures and videos of Fabio’s adventures along the way and to help him reach or exceed his goal by donating, visit his site: www.pedalforjapan.com.

Fabio Barbieri hopes to raise over $5,000 for Japan.

By Scott Morganroth

When I went to training camp to see the FAU Owls practice eight days ago, there was definitely a different feeling this time.

By now, everyone knows this will be the final season for Coach Howard Schnellenberger, who has built the Owls program from scratch. When I asked him about what it was like to enter his final season, he refused to address the subject. He rarely dodges a question, but I do know that he’s probably been asked it several times lately. More importantly, he’ll have an entire season to talk about it, thus, his focus remained on the Florida Gators on Sept. 3.

By now, though, Schnellenberger is probably trying to put the No. 22 Florida Gators behind him as his team suffered a 41-3 loss on Saturday in Gainesville. FAU’s only points came on a 27-yard field goal by Vinnie Zaccario.

Getting dominated in the following statistical areas were things the 77-year-old coach knows he has to improve on this week.

Against the Gators, Florida dominated in total offense by outgaining FAU, 468-137, and in first downs, 30-11. Anything close to these numbers Saturday against the Michigan State Spartans at noon on ESPN 2 will lead to yet another forgettable afternoon.

The last thing Schnellenberger needs is another embarrassment. Michigan State leads the all-time series 2-0.

Schnellenberger prepared for the Florida game the same way he has for so many.

“We prepare correctly for every game we play,” Schnellenberger said. “We prepare harder and more than put forth the effort. We think we have a full cup.”

He added that this training camp was no different than any other and never worried about retirement.

“I know this is the last time we’ll play Florida, Michigan State on down the line,” Schnellenberger said. “But it’s not as big a thing, you know. You coach for 52 years, and there were times that I thought it would be over already. You know it’s coming to an end, so it’s no big thing.”

I was recently asked by some friends and family about whether I was surprised by Schnellenberger’s retirement? I told them “NO.”

First of all, he was able to become the George Washington of FAU Football and since he won’t win a national championship in Boca Raton, what better way to go out on top than to coach the final year in a brand-new on-campus stadium.

Schnellenberger turned that dream into a reality. Icing on the cake would be taking the Owls to another bowl game and winning it. But even if he doesn’t reach the post-season, on Jan. 21, 2012, he’ll coach one more time against former FSU legendary coach Bobby Bowden at FAU Stadium.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at scottsports33.com. 

A few weeks ago, I had some ideas as to what events should be held at the new FAU Football Stadium.

I spoke to Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Sponsorships Michael Smith. He took this position after serving as Director of Collegiate Sports Properties for the University of Mississippi in the Southeastern Conference.

Smith gave me his reasons why he moved to Boca Raton and in this Observer interview, he talked about what the South Florida Community has to look forward to.

Q: What made you decide to take this position at FAU?

A: To be Associate Athletic Director was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I am looking forward to the inner workings of working behind the scenes, of what it takes [to build]  a new stadium for a Division I School. I see the athletic program growing into a Conference USA, Big East or ACC member one day. I am thrilled to see the excitement of the Boca Raton Community.

Q: How many events do you foresee and what type of financial benefit will Boca Raton receive?

A: I anticipate that the stadium has a $1.7 million impact to the community of Boca Raton. It’s the largest facility between Miami and Orlando. It will hold 15 events the first year … five football games, along with 10 other events. I anticipate concerts, college events, international soccer, high school all-star games and, eventually, landing a college bowl game. We hope to expand to at least 20 events.

Q: Were you familiar with FAU before you took this position?

A: Yes. Football Coach Howard Schnellenberger’s reputation speaks for itself. Mike Jarvis won 21 games this year for the basketball team and has an excellent track record for taking his teams to the NCAA Tournament. John McCormack’s baseball team [players] are perennial winners.

Q: How will your previous position benefit you here?

A: I worked in the multimedia areas. I worked in marketing, advertising and promotions so we have lots of inventory here. I will be working on selling signs for the Football Stadium, radio spots, coach’s call-in radio shows for all sports, Internet and promotions on the field.

According to Smith, there has been an increase in landing new students. Last year, FAU had 9,000 applications from incoming freshman. This year, the total is 22,000.

Oct. 15 is right around the corner and, by the end of the week, the FAU Football Team will be in training camp, preparing for that inaugural season. It will be interesting to see which players go down in history as the ones who score the first touchdown, have the first yard, etc.

If the growth of the football program goes according to planned, the football stadium has the ability to be expanded in two phases, from 30-45,000 and 45-65,000. The addition of more students, as aforementioned, could be the beginning of what lies ahead.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at www.scottsports33.com.

By Scott Morganroth

It’s hard to believe that, in 91 days, the FAU Owls football team will begin a new era with their new on-campus stadium.

By the time FAU plays in the new stadium, the Owls will have played five road games. Their first three games will be against the Florida Gators, Michigan State Spartans and defending National Champion the Auburn Tigers. It seems destined that FAU could start 0-3. They’ll definitely get three big pay days to put in the athletic department’s checkbook.

FAU’s first two Sun Belt Conference games are at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and North Texas.

By the time Oct. 15 rolls around, will the Owls be out of the post-season picture and be looking for a miracle to become bowl eligible? Time will tell.

In the 30,000-seat expandable stadium, this season will occupy five dates. In the future, it could be as many as seven home games.

The question remains, what events could we see down the road? I anticipate there could be a bowl game.

Here are some ideas for Athletic Director Craig Angelos.

Angelos should have no problem attracting events because, being in South Palm Beach County, this stadium is centrally located to Palm Beach, Broward, Dade and Martin County.

There is no doubt that Angelos will get his fair share of concerts. Years ago, the Orange Bowl (OB) was a venue that  attracted concerts. The Marlins new baseball stadium, on the OB site, will be ready by next season. Although there will be competition for the outdoor market, I do believe there is enough room for two outdoor concert facilities.

Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers played their home games at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale. Even though Lockhart was horrible for the Owls because of the poor locker rooms, it was good for a North American Soccer League team.

Major League Soccer has a solid fan base in the U.S.A., so it’s time to see if Angelos can get a team on campus and call it the South Florida Strikers.

In 1983, FAU Coach Howard Schnellenberger left his National Champion Miami Hurricanes for the USFL to coach a team in Miami at the Orange Bowl. This move backfired because the league never played a game in this market and subsequently folded.

The spring of 2012 marks the return of the New USFL. While I doubt we’ll see the 77-year-old Schnellenberger coach this team, it would be neat to see a team in the area in a league where he wanted to coach in the pros again.

Back in the old USFL, there used to be a territorial draft where teams could draft players that played at local schools. I could see a territorial draft with Miami, FIU and FAU, and there will be old faces chasing their dreams in Boca Raton.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at www.scotts ports33.com.

By Declan Murphy

On Wednesday, June 8, U.S. Representative, District 22, Allen West — the sole Florida-based member of the House Small Business Committee — was a keynote speaker at an event entitled “Small Business: Innovation Tools” hosted by the FAU Research Park in Deerfield Beach.

West emphasized the importance of small businesses in growing the economy, and asserted that they are being neglected.

West outlined three points he believes will help small businesses “turn it [the economy] around.”

1) West claims that spending needs to be controlled in D.C. He mentioned a recent effort in D.C. to cut and eliminate useless, expensive defense programs that were draining money from the federal budget. 2) West also affirmed that “increasing taxes is not the answer” and in order for small businesses to grow, tax policy changes must be made. 3) West stressed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently imposed new regulations on small businesses, forcing them to spend money to meet standards that are not that vital, given the current dire economic climate.

He also made mention of the Small Business Encouragement Act he introduced, which is currently in the House’s Ways and Means Committee, where appropriations are determined. The act, if passed, would change the Internal Revenue Code, giving small businesses of fewer than 100 employees — that hire unemployed Americans — a work opportunity tax credit. The Small Business Encouragement Act could save employers up to $12,000 a year per hire in some parts of the country.

After West presented his ideas and views, he took questions from those who attended. In answering one question about what should be done to repair the economy, West claimed that “the entrepreneurial spirit” has led Americans, and America in general, to great accomplishments such as the moon landing. He went further by saying that “the entrepreneurial spirit” is what will fix America’s economy, not big government. When answering another question, West addressed the debt problem. He stated that he believes issues such as the national debt should be approached with “a vision of ten to twenty years ahead” and the debt problem cannot be solved by a quick fix but that it rather requires a long-term solution. West also said that the “problem with decisions being made is that they are short-sighted”. The congressman also offered his opinion on education: that it must be practical and applicable to real jobs and careers. He suggested involving the private sector in public education. He said encouraging professionals, such as a C.P.A. or lawyer, to come and talk to high school students about how what they are learning applies to their careers would go a long way in ensuring that the education our children are receiving is practical and conducive to real opportunities in the job market.

By Scott Morganroth

Ever since the FAU Owls lost their Lockhart Stadium Finale “The Good Riddance Bowl” on Dec. 4, 2010 to the Troy Trojans, 44-7, there has been a lot of interesting news regarding Coach Howard Schnellenberger’s connections at both the professional and college levels.

This past week, the Tennessee Titans decided to part ways with Quarterback Vince Young and retain Coach Jeff Fisher, who has $6.5 million left on the final year of his contract. Titans Owner Bud Adams was hoping that Young and Fisher could settle their differences, but when their working relationship couldn’t be salvaged, the owner had to move on with the longest tenured coach in the NFL.

The Titans quarterback, who has a chance to compete for the starting job in Fisher’s 18th season, is former FAU Owl Rusty Smith. If Fisher hopes to continue his time in Nashville, Smith’s development figures factor into the equation, as Tennessee hopes to rebound from a 6-10 season. Once Young is moved, the Titans will have veteran Kerry Collins, Smith and third stringer Chris Simms.

Schnellenberger’s former school, the University of Miami, has made a coaching change hours after the University of South Florida Bulls defeated the Hurricanes, 23-20, on Nov. 27 at Joe Robbie Stadium.

Following the UM loss, where only 26,369 fans showed up, Randy Shannon was fired after four seasons, as he compiled a 28-22 record. With Shannon long gone, Miami lost the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, 33-17, to Notre Dame on Dec. 31, 2010.

Miami hired former Temple Owls Coach Al Golden, who led his former team to 9-4 and 8-4 seasons in 2009 and 2010, along with one bowl appearance.

The 41-year-old signed a five-year contract on Dec. 14, as he hopes to improve on Shannon’s 16-16 Atlantic Coast Conference record and zero titles. Since the start of the 2007 season, 47 teams have more wins than Miami, including four from the state of Florida. Shannon was also 0-2 in bowl games.

Despite FAU’s 4-8 record, they will be represented at a couple of College All-Star Games.

Wide Receiver Lester Jean will showcase his skills in the 86th East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Last year, Schnellenberger coached in the Texas vs. Nation Game. This year, two of his players will be playing in this contest, which will take place on Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. ET at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas.

Quarterback Jeff Van Camp will be playing for the Nation’s squad, while his Tight-End Rob Housler will be catching passes for the Texas team.

These games are becoming more significant because of the emergence of the United Football League, which is a developmental league for the NFL. The New USFL, which is tentatively set to begin play by the spring of 2012, could be another place for professional prospects.

NFL and Canadian Football League scouts also figure to be on hand at these games.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at www.scottsports33.com.