Oct. 15, 2002

Among the enthusiastic voices cheering the Owls on at today's game are the many parents taking part in FAU's first Parents Weekend. The game is a highlight of the three-day event, which has introduced the college experience --- in and out of the classroom --- to family members of FAU students.

While some may be experiencing a Fighting Owl football game for the first time, for most parents of the 80-plus players their presence is a continuation of unwavering support that began long before game day. Indeed, from the nerve-wracking recruitment and signing process through the long, grueling practices, their voices have been raised in encouragement, sometimes in the form of a pat on the back or, on occasion, the proverbial kick in the pants.

Take, for example, Bill and Suzie Whitener, proud parents of second-year offensive lineman Scott Whitener.

A year ago, Scott, then a true freshman, threw the lone bag he had brought to campus into his truck and headed back to his hometown of Fort Meade, FL.

"I liked football, but I guess you could say I was still in my summer mentality," says Whitener. "It was a shock - not just the physical demands of football, but a culture shock as well."

Whitener, whose graduating class numbered 70, was raised in a close-knit community and family.

Upon his arrival home he quickly discovered that the one constant in his life --- his family's unwavering support --- was not quite as constant as he had come to expect.

"Growing up, my parents never pushed anything on me, but they told me that whatever I did, they would support me. When I got home and they weren't supportive, I knew I had made the wrong decision. I knew it as soon as I walked in the door."

Whitener stayed home that night, spoke to Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger by phone the next morning and was back at practice that afternoon.

A few days later the Whiteners were again called upon to offer encouragement to their son, who had suffered a left ankle injury that kept him on the sideline, on crutches, until mid-season. The 6-4, 270-pound freshman finally saw his first action against St. Peter's in late October. As thrilling as his first appearance in a college football game was, the exclamation point to the grinding practices he had endured since age 13 came in this year's opening game against the University of South Florida: the opportunity to play in Raymond James Stadium, the home of his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"My family is a big Buc family," says Whitener. "Every Sunday we watched Buc games together. Now my parents, sister, brother-in-law and their son, Zach, follow FAU on Saturdays. They haven't missed a home game, and they were at the game in Tampa along with a lot of supporters from my community. They also went to the Gardner-Webb game in North Carolina last year. The highlight of the games for my nephew is the Owl mascot."

While five-year-old Zach enjoys the mascot, Bill and Suzie Whitener relate to the FAU community and the coaches.

"My parents accompanied me on my first visit to FAU and they loved it from the get-go," says Whitener. "They were impressed by the coaching staff and, of course, the Oxley Center. They ate with Coach Hoza and his wife and really like them. Coach Mills was also nice to work with during the recruiting process. I committed to FAU on that trip and when we got in the car to go home, they both said, 'You made the right decision."

Now with his family a few hours away, Whitener looks to those same coaches who impressed his parents on the recruiting trips for guidance and encouragement.

"Last season, we worked with Coach Vagotis and Coach Romero," says Whitener. "This season it's Coach Vagotis and Coach Bock, who is a great teacher. Yeah, he's hard but that's the game. You just have to take it and run with it. I enjoy playing for him."

In addition to the coaching staff, Whitener cherishes the bond the offensive line has begun to develop.

"We have to know every play, where the running backs are going or who they are blocking, who the other linemen are blocking, where the ball is going and what defensive front is lined up," he says. "You have to have a head on your shoulders to be an offensive lineman."

In addition to his athletic responsibilities on the field, Whitener takes the student part of student-athlete seriously and looks forward to getting a great education at FAU.

"School is my mother's department," he says. "During every phone call she finds a way to mention classes, grades or ask me if I'm studying."

His mother's interest in his education comes naturally --- she's an elementary school principal. Whitener's father works in the finance department of a Cherolet dealership. The business management major is leaning more toward following in his father's footsteps, but hasn't totally ruled out teaching.

Whatever career path Scott Whitener chooses, he knows he can always count on the support of his parents --- parents who typify what Parents Weekend is all about.