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FAU Football Honors Seniors
Feb. 8, 2005 Five years ago this month, Florida Atlantic University signed its first football class. Tuesday night head coach Howard Schnellenberger and his staff honored those seniors and the players who have made football at Florida Atlantic a reality at the 2004 Football Awards Banquet. "This banquet is a bittersweet moment in time for all of us who started this journey," said Schnellenberger. "It is sweet because of the great accomplishments of this senior class. It's bitter because they now leave us. But, they have left the program in the good hands of the players who will follow their lead and who will carry this program to national prominence. We will be forever indebted to the belief, strength and loyalty they brought to our program." Jared Allen walked away with the team's MVP honors after a four-year career that saw the Oklahoma native start all but three games and tally a career record of 25-19. His leadership and character were as integral to the team's success as his national ranking for passing efficiency. He led FAU's charge to a No. 4 national ranking in 2003 and again captured the nation's attention by orchestrating come-from-behind victories over Hawaii and North Texas, both perennial bowl participants, to open the 2004 season.
Allen's accomplishments were extensive for a fledgling program, and many of those accomplishments would not have been possible without the offensive line efforts. Senior lineman Kevin Fischer earned the team's Offensive MVP honor after playing in every game during his four-year career. Fischer came to FAU as a tight end before making the transition. The squad's Defensive MVP Award was given to Chris Laskowski; another leader who, like Allen and Fischer, played in every game during his four-year career. Laskowski led the team in tackles a year ago and finished second in 2004 79. His four-year career saw him play both defense and special teams and conclude his time at FAU with 285 tackles. Laskowski not only represents the team in nearly every phase, but he also exemplified the term student-athlete by earning the team's Student-Athlete-of-the-Year award. Like Laskowski, Mark Myers came to FAU from Rockledge High School and walked onto the Owls team in 2000 only to earn a scholarship later. Myers was awarded the 2004 Special Team MVP, award after handling nearly all of the kicking duties. He scored 90 points in 2004 and ended the year 20-of-28 in field goals. He finished with 43 career field goals and 100 extra points. The kicking game traditionally gives the credit to the kicker, however much of Myers success began with the long snapper Dewain Akerblom. Akerblom worked the entire summer leading up to the 2004 campaign and shouldered the heavy burden of replacing a long snapper who had been the epitome of consistency. Akerblom rose to the challenge in 2004 and earned the team's Most Improved Player Award. The final two awards are honors that most teams do not recognize. However, FAU understands their importance and honors them for their importance to the squad. The first is the Non-Scholarship MVP award and it was given to Mike Brown. Brown earned the role of starting punter in 2004 and proved flawless. He had 56 punts for 2,346 yards and a 41.9 average. His longest was 66 yards. Shomari Earls, who led the squad in tackles with 81, was the lone new starter to the defensive unit earned the team's Bone Award. The bone award is also a weekly honor bestowed to the individual who had the game's biggest hit. Earls entered the season as a player who was capable of big hits, and he lived up to the challenge. While eight major awards were given, team members were also award their varsity letters and certificates of participation. FAU President Frank T. Brogan served as the banquet's guest speaker, appropriate after becoming the team's "Biggest Fan" and making nearly every game.
2005 Awards--Award Sponsor |
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