Dec. 9, 2004

Dear FAU Supporters,

"Foundation Builders" These are just a few of the choice words that Coach Schnellenberger used to describe his senior OWL football players. Saturday's game confirmed that as they defeated their archrival, FIU! Go OWLS!! What started in the community of Boca Raton has now become far-reaching into the state of Florida, and consequently the country...

"They have fulfilled every wildest dream of an aging coach and it has been a tremendous ride." Wow! What a statement coming from a coach who has definitely "been around the block." Although he's had many varied experiences in his career, this one tops his list, and it's noticeably apparent as he discusses his feelings on the departing seniors who started it all.

A week before they were to play their final game, he spoke about their first year (4-6) and their second season (2-9). His voice broke when he talked of their integrity and their sheer will to "...continue to work toward greatness with a common interest and faith in what they could accomplish." "With no football program, schedule, practice field, venue to play, or coaching staff, these boys chose to come here and believe in what we were promising, and they took this vision from foreplay, to birth, to manhood, and now to Division I status." He believes that it could "never be done again," and their maturity and diligence helped them ... "rise up and become victorious to set the standard for all to come."

With just six losses in the last two years, perseverance and pride drove them in to back to back winning seasons, 20 in all. Looking forward to the banquet in early 2005, he's eager to "Truly thank them for all they have accomplished; the record setting is immense!" Beyond that his enthusiasm is obvious once again as he brags that almost all of the seniors were serious from the start about their academics, and most of them will graduate in May, or just behind that in the fall.

With this springboard to thrust them in to adulthood, coach Shnellenberger eloquently describes their future. "They all have a great legacy to be lived, a great tradition to pass on, and great memories to share with their loved ones that will be stored in the lockbox of their heart for a lifetime." Indeed it will infinitely be in the forefront of our minds as the start of a football phenomenon at FAU!

Be a part of the excitement here at FAU! Help springboard the athletes in to success now by shopping on our very own Fighting Owls E-Mall! We have over 1,000 stores and 1,000,000 products available to you at your fingertips! With only three weeks left until Christmas, it's a convenient and affordable way to shop. Take a look! FAU Mall

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,
FAU Athletic Department