Posts from July 2011

Former FAU wide receiver Lestar Jean grew up watching Andre Johnson make big plays for the Miami Hurricanes.

Now he's going to get a chance to learn from one of the the best wide receivers in the game.

“It's going to be great to see him in person,” Jean said. “Hopefully I get to stick around and learn a lot from him. We have the same kind of body build. He's a great receiver.”

Jean (photo courtesy Ralph Notaro/NDM Images) agreed to terms with the Houston Texans on Monday, flew to Texas on Tuesday and is expected to report when the Texans open their camp today.

The contract offer from Texas wasn't too surprising. He met with Texans officials at the NFL Combine and at the East-West Shrine Game.

Baltimore, Minnesota, Jacksonville and Buffalo also inquired about Jean once the lockout ended.

“(Houston) was one of the first teams to call me,” Jean said. “Me and my agent looked at it and it seemed like that's the best place where I have a legitimate chance to make the team and they were not just bringing me in to have a camp body.”

During the lockout, Jean attempted to keep himself in football shape by working out in Miami, catching passes from the likes of Brady Quinn, Drew Stafford, Byron Leftwich and Tyrelle Pryor.

Jean joined wide receivers Terrance Tolliver (LSU) and Jeff Maehl (Oregon) in signing undrafted free agent contracts with the Texans. Houston currently lists 10 wide receivers on its roster.

Beginning today, he'll try to distinguish himself from what us is clearly a crowded wideout corps.

“It was exciting for the lockout to finally be over an for all the hard work I put in to finally pay off,” Jean said. “It put me in a good situation. Hopefully I can go make the best of it now.”

Here is Lestar Jean's full Draft Profile.

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We continued a couple of series on Saturday. As part of our fall camp position primer we told FAU fans that the tight ends could be the key to breaking out of last season's offensive doldrums. Also, in our breakdown of FAU's opponents, we focused on the first Sun Belt game against Louisiana-Lafayette.

There must have been something left over in those Air Force pants.

A couple years back the Owls wore some old Air Force uniforms as their practice garb. Is it more than a coincidence that when FAU running backs coach David Serna wanted to bring something new to FAU's offense he found an old playbook of former Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry on the internet?

Actually, yes it is. But that doesn't change the fact that FAU ran some plays from the wishbone formation last season. They had some success, too. Remember Willie Floyd's 65-yard TD run against FIU? That came from the wishbone.

The key to adding some wishbone formation, which features three running backs in the backfield, was to find plays that meshed well with the Owls current scheme.

“We tried to take a couple of things that were simple enough that we could run and not change a lot of terminology,” Serna said.

The Owls experienced enough success that they are going to expand the wishbone this season. With FAU breaking in a new starting quarterback, wide receivers and tight ends, the running backs will be relied upon more often than usual.

And with the abundance of talented ball carriers this season (Alfred Morris, Willie Floyd, Damian Fortner (photo), Travis Jones and Xavier Stinson), getting as many of them on the field as possible seems like a reasonable idea.

“It definitely makes it a lot more fun to draw up plays with three running backs in the backfield,” Serna said. “It gets the creative juices going.”

Those juices might be hard to stop this season. Serna is already talking about trying to get as many as four backs on the field at once in an attempt to create mismatches.

It's difficult to think of the wishbone (and four running back for that matter) as being inventive. But, as old school as the wishbone may be, it's a type of formation that most Sun Belt players haven't faced.

Even if the Owls only try it a couple times a game, it's one more aspect of the offense opponents need to prepare for.

The possibilities may not be sexy, but they are intriguing.

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Busy day at FAUOwlAccess.com, where we gave Owl fans as much information as they could digest. We started with our weekly podcast, OwlTalk with Brian Rowitz. Then we continued our fall camp position primer series by examining the running backs. Finally, we brought the video from the final 7-on-7 of the summer. And we talked with Jeff Van Camp about his tryout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Former FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp worked out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, he told FAUOwlAccess.com.

Van Camp was not immediately offered a contract, but said he was pleased with the way he performed at the workout. He said the Buccaneers told him he was at the top of their list should they need another QB.

Tampa Bay has already signed former Boise State quarterback Mike Coughlin during the current free agent period.

Van Camp threw for 2,459 yards and 17 touchdowns last season in his only full year at starter. His performance earned him a trip to the NFL Scouting Combine, and multiple teams inquired about his standing during the draft.

He's been contacted by multiple teams since the free agent signing period began, with most teams telling him he's on the top of their list if they need another quarterback.

Took a little time away from our football camp previews to check out the biggest futbol story in South Florida.

The photos to the right are all from last night's magicJack vs. Sky Blue FC game held at FAU Soccer Stadium.

Nearly 3,300 fans attended the game, and many more were turned away at the box office when FAU announced a sell-out.

There were some traffic problems getting onto campus, even as early as 6 p.m., and there were some questions about parking, but all in all, FAU came away looking pretty good.

“I think the more awareness we get on our campus, it benefits not just athletics, but it benefits the whole entire university,” said FAU athletic director Craig Angelos, pictured (wearing the tie) with magicJack owner Dan Borislow. “It puts us on the map in some people's minds. It makes us relevant in some people's minds. There is not a downside to it.”

The magicJack are loaded with key members of the U.S. Women's National Team, which recently finished second in the Women's World Cup. Abby Wambach received the biggest ovation when introduced to the crowd. Later in the the evening she walked away from a collision with the Sky Blue goalkeeper (photo). There were an abundance of fans sporting Wambach's No. 20.

Goalkeeper Hope Solo did not attend – she is injured and  there is some question as to whether she will appear in Boca Raton at all the remainder of this season – but Christie Rampone, Megan Rapinoe and Shannon Boxx were there.

The play of those stars wasn't enough on Wednesday. The magicJack lost to Sky Blue, which for some reason wears orange uniforms, 2-0.

There were plenty of youth soccer teams in attendance and many young fans with signs. Even Boca Raton mayor Susan Whelchel took part in the pre-game ceremonies. Boca Raton sports fans may remember that Whelchel's daughter Kristy graduated from the TeamBoca youth program to play at Duke.

The only real downer for FAU, aside from Solo not being there, is that there is apparently an NCAA rule that prohibits schools from doing promotional events with professional teams, so aside from a few announcements over the P.A., there wasn't a football presence.

Angelos said he planned to look further into that rule to see if there was a way around it for Saturday's magicJack game.

Still, Angelos believes getting so many new faces to come to a sporting event at FAU could start a trend.
 
“We get them coming on campus and they feel good about it, maybe when football season comes along the same groups are coming over to watch football,” Angelos said. “It's generally families here, and those are the types of people we want to come out and watch our football, basketball, baseball and softball teams, too.”

By the way, if you are planning to attend Saturday's magicJack game, get your tickets now. Many of the people turned away at the ticket window on Wednesday chose to buy their tickets for the upcoming game before leaving campus.

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We started the day with basketball, telling Owl fans that hoops signee Julien Sargent won't be attending FAU in the fall, and that Jelani Floyd will be taking his place. Later in the day we premiered our football fall camp position primer series by examining the Owls' quarterback situation.
 

If the Miami Dolphins have agreed to sign former FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp, they've neglected to tell one important person – Jeff Van Camp.

Several reports have the Dolphins and Van Camp ready to sign a contract when the undrafted free agency signing period begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Van Camp said the reports are not accurate.

“I haven't talked with one person from the Dolphins,” Van Camp said on Tuesday morning. “I don't know where these people are getting these reports from, unless they know someone inside Miami who knows who they are going to sign.”

Van Camp said he's yet to hear from any NFL team, adding that the lack of phone calls on Monday was puzzling.

“I thought for sure I'd be one of the first ones, getting the call early,” Van Camp said. “I don't understand right now. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. But I definitely thought it would have.”

Van Camp threw for 2,459 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, his only full year as a starter. He impressed enough to earn an invite to the NFL's Scouting Combine.

The native of Gulf Breeze is back in Boca Raton visiting his fiance and the FAU campus. He'd love for the Miami rumor to prove true.

“It would be perfect,” Van Camp said. “It would be really ideal.”

With the NFL lockout officially coming to an end on Monday, teams will be able to sign undrafted free agents beginning at 10 a.m. today.

• Click here for Van Camp’s draft profile

UPDATE (10:55 a.m.)  We reached Van Camp to confirm the news this morning and the reports are not accurate. Van Camp told us he has not heard from the Dolphins. We'll stay on top of this situation and provide updates.

Former FAU linebacker Michael Lockley's wait to become a professional football player will end on Tuesday at 10 a.m. when he signs with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His former teammate, wide receiver Lestar Jean, will fly to Houston to sign with the Texans on Tuesday, Jean said via text late Monday night.

Lockley reached his decision on Monday night, hours after the NFL officially lifted its lockout. By rule, he can't officially sign until Tuesday. Lockley will make the trip from his home in the Orlando area to Jacksonville's team headquarters to sign in person.

“It was a big relief to finally figure out where you are going to play football,” Lockley told FAUOwlAccess.com. “Now I'm just going to go out and play.”

Four NFL teams contacted Lockley on Monday. He chose the Jaguars over Arizona, Pittsburgh and New England.

Jacksonville was one of the teams that contacted Lockley on the final day of the NFL draft in April, but never did call his name.

“It's always good to stay close to home,” Lockley said. “They're always good about giving someone a fair shot to play.”

Lockley led FAU in tackles as a senior with 120. Also a standout on special teams, Lockley blocked three kicks in 2010, including a field goal in the final seconds at UAB that preserved an FAU victory.

While waiting for the lockout to end, Lockley spent part of the summer as a personal trainer and also supplemented his income by cutting lawns.

• Lockley's full draft profile including a video scouting report

 Jean led FAU with 64 catches for 988 yards and 8 TDs. His one-handed, 77-yard touchdown grab against UAB was one of the highlights of FAU's 2010 season.

• Jean's full draft profile including a video scouting report.

It may seem like Title IX week here at FAUOwlAccess.com for a few days and that’s not such a bad thing.

Around 150 players from as far as Indianapolis and New Jersey attended FAU’s one-day developmental camp and it’s expected a handful of players performed well enough to receive offers in the next few days.

• FAU appears to be scouting players earlier than I’ve ever seen. Although the camp is mostly for rising seniors, coaches were watching a rising freshman closely. Orangewood Christian linebacker Jimmy Martin (5-10 190)  who played in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio last season in a game preceding the U.S. Army All-American Bowl was in attendance and did more than hold his own against players three years older than him.
• Jensen Beach offensive lineman Curtis Csonka (pictured, right)  had a solid camp. The 6-2, 260-pound Csonka is a cousin of former Dolphin full back Larry Csonka.
• Although some players did come from out of state, several local players had impressive camps. Palm Beach Gardens running back Roshard Burnery, who has been offered by the Owls, did well despite the wet field. Also Park Vista offensive lineman Shane O’Shea was said to have a good day.

It seems like the camp season just started, but it basically comes to an end today when FAU holds its final one-day Developmental Camp.

Is this the season Florida Atlantic breaks through with a victory over an SEC team?

Florida Atlantic recently announced it had received some major gifts for the new on-campus football stadium.

• Scoreboard: Schmidt Family Foundation ($3 million)
• Concourse East: The Head Family ($250,000)
• Concourse South: Dr. Steven and Liz Shapiro ($250,000)
• President’s Suite: Eleanor Baldwin ($250,000)
• FAU Locker Room: Dr. Richard Staller ($250,000)
• Director of Athletics Suite: Frank Morphy ($100,000)
• Head Coach Suite: Constance and Robert McGee ($100,000)
• Broadcast Booth: Hoot/Wisdom Recordings in honor of Hank Stern ($100,000)
• Wall of Recognition: JM Family Enterprises, Inc. ($100,000)
• Recognition Plaque: Nancy Blosser ($25,000)
• Recognition Plaque: Barry and Bonnie Halperin ($25,000)
• Concession Area: Michael and Mindy Feldman ($50,000)
• West Ticket Booth: Marleen and Harold Forkas ($50,000)
• East Ticket Booth: Balistreri Realty, Joe and Jim Balistreri ($50,000)
• Lockers: Anthony and Maria Altieri, Anthony Altieri Jr., Ariana Altieri, Dr. Charles L. Brown, Brenda Coto, Justin Dirico (2), Tom Donaudy, Christopher Fluehr, Randy Goin Jr., Nancy Gulker, David Kian, Terry Mohajir, Susan and Don Peirce, Dr. James Riordan, Dr. and Mrs. Peter Sarbone, Jim and Leigh Slowiak, and Bob Stilley ($5,000 each)

As expected, FAU’s season-opener at Florida will be televised.

• Sept. 3 at Florida (ESPNU)
• Sept. 10 at Michigan State (ESPN or ESPN2)
• Sept. 24 at Auburn (TBA)
• Oct. 8 at North Texas (Sun Belt Network)
• Oct. 22 vs. MTSU (Sun Belt Network)

Discuss the FAU TV schedule here.

The Sun Belt Conference Media Days are in the books and now the next key date in the 2011 football season is the players taking the field.

 

• Aug. 4: Players Report
• Aug. 6: First day of practice
• Aug. 10: First Day Full Pads One Practice
• Aug. 11: First Three-A-Day
• Aug. 19: Last Three-A-Day
• Aug. 20: FanFest
• Aug. 20: Classes Begin
• Aug. 25: Bonfire
• Sept 3: Florida Atlantic at Florida 

As a coach entering the final season of his contract, Howard Schnellenberger has recently been hounded with questions about coaching beyond the 2011 season.

With all the hoopla that will be surrounding the opening of the new stadium this season, should FAU unveil one of those “alternate” uniforms that some other traditional teams are showcasing for big games.

 

FAU has released its first official depth chart of the pre-season and there are a couple of interesting items.

The coaches of the Sun Belt Conference have spoken and there’s no mistaking their prediction for Florida Atlantic.

 As expected, the Owls are picked to finish 9^th in the Sun Belt Conference.

Well, I just sent in my ballot for the Pre-season All-Sun Belt Conference team and the results will be announced on Monday when the Sun Belt’s pre-season video conference begins.

• RB Alfred Morris
• FB Xavier Stinson
• TE Darian Williams
• OL Sam McCroy
• OL Andrew Czuprynski
• DL Kevin Cyrille
• DL-LB Cory Henry
• LB David Hinds
• DB Marcus Bartels
• P Mickey Groody

It’s hardly a secret that FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger’s current contract runs out after the 2011 football season and, in my opinion, Schnellenberger will be offered a new contract - provided he wants to continue coaching past this season.

In Monday's installment of our "Football in Paradise" series detailing all the interesting aspects of FAU's new football stadium, we told you about FAU center Jordan Sessa who, as an intern at Balfour Beatty, is helping to build the stadium in which he will eventually play.

While Sessa's story is unique because he's a football player, he's far from the only current or former Owl contributing to the effort.

“Having alumni and student interns working on projects for their alma mater is a total 'win-win' not only for our employees, but also for our customer as there is a greater sense of pride and accomplishment and greater willingness to give 110 percent  every time,” said Clinton Glass, the Balfour Beatty Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader for South Florida.

Zachary Thompson (top photo) is one Balfour Beatty employee whose shared experience is similar to Sessa's. Thompson, who received his civil engineering degree from FAU in August 2010, interned with Balfour Beatty on the Innovation Village dorm project.

Shortly after graduation Balfour Beatty hired Thompson as a Building Information Modeling coordinator. He used computer modeling to ensure the plumbing, electrical, mechanical and chilled water contractors had enough space for their systems and that they fit properly within stadium conduits.

“I thought it was very surreal,” said Thompson, recalling the moment Balfour Beatty offered him the job.  “When I was graduating I was expecting to go wherever I could find a job. Then, when they told me I was going back to FAU, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I was here for five years. I feel like I am giving back to the school.”

Thompson has actually returned to some classes to give presentations on the 3D modeling software he uses and to talk with members of the engineering department about the importance of incorporating more computer modeling classes into the curriculum.

Unlike Thompson, Larry Tribble (lower photo) didn't spend five years at the Boca Raton campus. The Gulf War veteran entered the military after spending three years in the Chicago Cubs organization. When he finally retired from the military, Tribble decided to take safety management classes at one of FAU's satellite campuses in Broward County.

Shortly after receiving his certification he began with Balfour Beatty. During his time as the safety manager on the stadium project there has been only one minor incident during the approximately 250,000 man hours of work.

Tribble says he periodically took a class or two at other colleges, but is starting to consider FAU his alma mater. He even spends some breaks taking a look around the FAU campus.

Though Tribble has never attended an FAU football game, he says that will change in October.

“I'm going to go to this one when we open just to see what it's going to be like - the atmosphere - because this is a busy stadium,” Tribble said. “Everyone's waiting on it.  I don't think people really know what we have here with this stadium.”

Balfour Beatty alone has given internships to four FAU students for the Innovation Village project. Many more employees have ties to the school, perhaps none more so than MacKenzie Ross-Fidler who has been instrument in the stadium's construction and our series about the the new stadium.

A 1999 grad, Ross-Fidler is a business development manager for Balfour Beatty and serves on FAU's Alumni Board.

“As a proud alumnus, FAU Alumni Board  member and Balfour Beatty employee, it gives me great pride to know my company is contributing to the evolution of my alma mater,” Ross-Fidler said. "Words can’t describe the feeling, as I sit across the street in our Alumni House during our board meetings watching the stadium rise. It's truly awe inspiring to see how far FAU has come.”

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We continued our look at FAU's 2011 football opponents by examining Michigan State from an FAU perspective.
 

When FAU first joined the Sun Belt Conference, I worked at an area newspaper covering the Owls.

It's easy, somewhat creative and certainly silly. And it's striking the FAU football team.

In case you don't immediately recognize what is going on the photo, that's running back Alfred Morris (top) and defensive end Jamere Johnson doing a little "planking."

“I wouldn't say I'm a planker,” Morris explained. “I've planked before. It's so stupid that it's funny.”

For those new to the craze, here's how it works: Lay down like a board on something and have someone take a picture.

If you think you're missing something, don't worry. You're not. It's that simple – kind of the pet rock of the current college crowd.

“It's like a disease,” Johnson said. “It's just going through everybody. It's spreading.”

For those looking for a little further explanation, here's a pretty good TV news story about it.

Apparently the photo on this page happened after Darian Williams and C.J. Falconer challenged Morris and Johnson to do it in the weight room.

And it sounds like the trend could make it to the field. Morris said he'd consider doing it as a touchdown celebration. Johnson's thinking about it, too.

“After I get a sack, it's going to look like I got knocked out, but I'm going to be planking,” he explained. “As soon as someone comes and touches me I'm going to jump up.”

The duo expects some of their teammates, like defensive end Kevin Cyrille, will never embrace planking. Others, they believe, can be swayed.

“I would pay to see (6-foot-9, 320 pound tackle Chris) Chappel plank,” Morris said.

Speaking of payment, there is even a rumored bounty for the first Owl to plank coach Howard Schnellenberger's desk.

While Schnellenberger is aware of trend, and it isn't his favorite, he's not going to stop players from planking on their own time.

“This is America - you can't forbid things like that,” Schnellenberger said.

Still, he doesn't expect to take part in planking parties any time soon.

“If I expressed my opinion about that and took it to it's ultimate ramifications  - it's not worth talking about,” he said.

It's probably good that Schnellenberger hasn't caught the planking disease.

I asked Johnson what would the players would think if they saw their coach planking.

“The world is ending,” Johnson laughed.

What do you think FAU fans? Are you ready for some planking? If you've got any good planking photos, send them our way: info@fauowlaccess.com

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We continued our series about the features of the new on-campus stadium not by looking at another item, but by focusing on a person. FAU center Jordan Sessa is spending the summer interning with Balfour Beatty Construction, which means he's helping to build the stadium he will one day play in. Pretty freakin' cool.
 

Of all the people who have toured FAU's new on-campus stadium, this one is perhaps the most intriguing.

Late last week FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger showed new University of Miami athletic director Shawn Eichorst the grounds.

The tour was set up by Don Bailey Jr., the color commentator of the Hurricanes and one of the first players Schnellenberger recruited when he took the job at Miami.

“It was a study in what a new stadium can do for a campus,” Schnellenberger said. “First of all what a 30,000 seat stadium looks like – there's not a lot of them built – and to visualize the impact is was going to have on this university and this community.”

The photos were taken on Friday, the day after Schnellenberger's tour.

Schnellenberger campaigned for an on-campus stadium while at Miami, but an on-campus stadium for the Canes may be even more unlikely than it was back then. The Hurricanes now play at Sun Life stadium – the former home of the Owls which Schnellenberger says “nearly broke our backs”– and are contractually obligated to to play there for quite some time.

Besides, there is still very little land near the Miami campus to put a stadium.

“Maybe it will be of value if he sometime leaves Miami one way or another and has to continue working in another place,” Schnellenberger said.

Of course, during the tour there was plenty of time for talk on other subjects. Schnellenberger, who has always wanted a game against the Canes, said Eichorst seemed open to it. That wasn't always the case when Paul Dee and Kirby Hocutt where in control at Miami.

“It's good to have a new AD in there,” Schnellenberger mused.

Schnellenberger insisted that the purpose of the trip wasn't to schedule a game, and if the two schools did play it would likely be well in the future.

“It's almost too long term – the odds are so far against it - it  might be worth talking about but it's not worth writing about,” Schnellenberger said.

Well, it's kind of worth writing about...

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One of our more popular segments, 3-2-See, made its summer debut. Take a look at the highlights from Friday's 7-on-7 football workouts, including a look at the progress of running back Willie Floyd.
 

I’m worried that some FAU fans haven’t been getting their regular weather reports lately, so today, I will oblige.

A few weeks ago there was a rumor going around about FIU signee Ezekiel Turner possibly arriving at FAU and we reported Turner was interested in playing for the Owls.

 

Remember those T-shirts FAU distributed earlier this season to commemorate Mike Jarvis winning his 400th game?
Well, it looks like they may be able to be used again when Jarvis wins his 400th game for the second time.
 

As first reported by FAUOwlAccess.com on Wenesday, the NCAA sent a letter warning FAU it can’t count 46 victories vacated by St. John’s following NCAA infractions when Jarvis was the coach there.
 

The letter was sent by the NCAA committee on infractions, but this doesn’t mean FAU broke NCAA rules. It simply is a clarification on how the NCAA wants schools to count vacated victories and FAU has until Aug. 1 to comply or explain why it won't.
 

You can thank Kentucky and coach John Calipari for the controversy.
 

Calipari was honored by Kentucky for winning his 500th game this season,but when the NCAA got wind of the celebration they urged Kentucky to re-do the math with games vacated by UMass and Memphis when he was the coach there.
 

Some pointed out there were other places that counted vacated victories, forcing the hand of the NCAA to take a stance.
 

Is it fair for the NCAA to saddle a coach who leaves for a new school? I’ve heard both sides of the issue recently. All I know is the NCAA needs to decide on the policy and apply it evenly.
 

It looks like it is taking steps to do just that.

> JUST ADDED: Click here to see the NCAA letter to FAU

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As mentioned, we reported on the NCAA letter to FAU asking them to re-do the math

Other linkage

The Sun-Sentinel notes FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger is on the last year of his contract.  

FAU is taking a bit of a chance with the sound system it is installing in the new on-campus football stadium.

As mentioned in Monday's story, consultant Anthony James Partners recommended speakers from Danley's Jericho Horn series to provide the main sound within the stadium bowl.

These speakers use shaded amplitude technology to distribute the sound. It's a relatively new technology that wasn't universally embraced immediately.

“A lot of consultants said this is not a viable product, but we are proving that this is more than a viable product at a dramatically reduced cost,” said Michael Rowe, a principal within Anthony James Partners, the sound consultants for the stadium.

“We are a huge believer in what it is capable of doing. We feel like they built a tremendous product and did a tremendous job. We felt like this is a product that is going to change the way sound is designed.”

The graphic above shows the scoreboard design, with the positions of the speakers highlighted in blue.

Danley's speakers are in Turner Field and Bryant-Denny Stadium in Alabama. Their web site includes details of recent installs, and more specifics about the technology for you tech heads.

Suffice it to say, the technology is becoming more widely accepted. That's a huge positive, because these were easily the best speakers FAU could find in its price range.

A couple other notes about the system:

• Mentioned in the story that the wireless microphones can operate on any one of 999 frequencies. That's important because there is a lot of potential interference coming from the airport next door. It also allows system to be flexible when television trucks and all their wireless equipment come to town. Anyone who attended an FAU sporting event this season knows those wireless mics are hit, miss, or not even in the ballpark.
• According to the Daktronics folks, the person who runs this system on game day will likely need five years experience working with sound boards mixers and the like. A Daktronics representative will provide training on the particulars of FAU's system prior to the first game and will be on hand for at least the first two games in case problems arise.
• Hopefully this will never come into play, but in the event of an emergency, responders outside the stadium can tap into the sound system to relay instructions about evacuation procedures through the loudspeakers to fans inside the stadium bowl.

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FAU quarterback Graham Wilbert's broken finger healed in time for the start of summer 7-on-7s. We talked with him on Tuesday about the injury and his progress these past couple months.

At the beginning of his search for a new assistant coach, FAU coach Mike Jarvis noted that he'd like to keep the job in the family if at all possible.

It appears that was possible.

Sources told FAUOwlAccess.com that Pete Gash will be named an assistant coach, completing Jarvis' coaching staff. Gash, the Owls' director of basketball operations since 2009, will be filling the vacancy created when Matt McCall left to join Billy Donovan's staff at Florida.

Gash came to FAU after serving as a graduate assistant under Tom Crean at Indiana. He's also worked at LaSalle and Lynn. You can read the rest of his bio here.

In the past few years Gash has managed the basketball office and handled video production for the basketball Owls, among other duties. He was instrumental in putting together the recent team camp, which saw a record 46 high school teams from across the state travel to FAU for a weekend.

One of the biggest selling points for Gash was his knowledge of Jarvis' system and the current players. Gash should be able to make an immediate impact on the staff, bringing consistency to a team that took a large leap forward last season.
Seems like a smart move.

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We found our own way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. On Monday we continued our series looking at different aspects of FAU's new on-campus stadium by examining the sound system. And yes, we managed to have some fun away from this site, too. Thanks for asking.
 

On behalf of all the staff at FAUOwlAccess.com. we would like to wish you a happy Fourth of July.

While there aren’t any camps at FAU this weekend, next weekend there will be a large 7-on-7 tournament with a distinct local flavor.

Prep and Sports, Inc. and Kansas City Chief Brandon Flowers are excited to announce the Brandon Flowers Charity Weekend Presented By Prep and Sports, Inc. July 7 – 10th, 2011 in Delray Beach, Fl.

 

The Brandon Flowers Prep and Sports, Inc. Charity Weekend will kick off with a Comedy Show on

Thursday, July 7th at Old School Square in Delray Beach. Friday the 8th, community members can Bowl

with an NFL Pro and compete to be the Grid Iron Great Bowling Champion. Saturday the 9h, sixteen

high school football teams from around the country will compete in the Brandon Flowers 7 on 7 high

school tournament while NFL athletes are the spectators. Sunday the weekend concludes with the Grid

Iron Challenge with local student athletes running drills and competing alongside the NFL Athletes. All

proceeds from the weekend benefit the program participants enrolled in Prep and Sports, Inc.

 

Thursday’s Comedy Show Lineup includes comedians as seen on Comedy Central, BET’s Comic View and Def Comedy Jam. Comedians include: Chris Spencer, Sarge, Rayzor and Marvin Dixon. Tickets range

from $50 up to $150 for VIP seating, reception and meet and greet.

 

Friday, guests of all ages will have a chance to bowl against NFL athletes, elected officials and

distinguished guests at Strikes in Boca Raton. The family friendly event is $20 for children and $40 for

adults and includes food, drinks and shoes.

 

Saturday, high school teams from across the country will be in Delray Beach competing in the Brandon

Flowers 7 on 7 High School Tournament. Up and coming athletes will have the chance to show off their

skills as the NFL players are in the stands. This unique, switch of field perspective for the players creates

a fun environment. Community members are encouraged to attend. The tournament takes place at

the Seacrest Athletic Complex. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Last year over 1,000 fans

watched the tournament.

 

Sunday, local athletes ages 11-17 will have the chance to be coached and evaluated by NFL Players. $10

registration fee. Space is limited. Register at www.prepandsports.org and fee includes t-shirt and food.

 

All funds raised will go to youth academic and educational programs provided by Prep and Sports,

Inc. Invited athletes include but not limited to: Kansas City Chief’s Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers ,

Indianapolis Colt Pierre Garcon, Cleveland Brown Monterio Hardesty, Philadelphia Eagle Jerome

Harison, Houston Texan Kareem Jackson, Tampa Bay Buc Preston Parker, and Chicago Bear Major Wright and more.

 

“I am very excited about Prep and Sports, Inc. and Brandon Flowers Charity Weekend. We have so

much support from my NFL colleagues, and the Palm Beach County community, we will certainly raise

much needed funds for our program participants,” said Brandon Flowers. Brandon is a Delray Beach

native and a program graduate of Prep and Sports, Inc.

 

For more information on how to become a sponsor or participate in the Brandon Flowers

Charity Weekend presented by Prep and Sports, Inc. contact Dana Brookes at 561-789-5651 or

dana@danabrookes.com or www.prepandsports.org

Dreary weather got you feeling a little blue this weekend? Maybe you should go with that emotion. Boston's on the Beach in Delray kicked off its annual Red White and Blues Festival last night. I was there and can tell you it's a pretty cool event.

Caught J.P. Soars and the Red Hots, along with the Fabulous Fleetwoods on Friday. Tonight, Matt “Guitar” Murphy (of Blues Brothers fame) plays along with a boatload of other acts. Boston's actually has three stages set up for today and tomorrow. Here's the web site which contains all the information you'll need.

Trust me, you don't have to be a big blues fan to enjoy this event. Some of the performers are simply amazing to watch. I'm told Muggie Doo (aka Mark Leach) will have his Hammond B3 organ parked at Boston's for the next couple of days. Just watching this guy play what was originally designed to be a church organ is well worth the cost of admission. (Don't worry, one of the stages is free entertainment).

Of course, Boston's is also a great place to watch the fireworks on the fourth. They are actually blocking off A1A, setting up a stage, and having the Funkabilly Playboys play for the final hours leading up to the fireworks display.

How does this apply to FAU? Well, it's a bit of a stretch, but Boston's has always done what it can to support the Owls. A couple seasons back Boston's hosted the Mike Jarvis show on ESPN 760. And I know a bunch of you FAU students are fond of Reggae Nights on Monday. But mostly, it's just going to be a pretty good time – and I figure every FAU fan could use one of those.

Plus, when watching the Funkabillies, if you tell Bongo you're an FAU fan, he'll likely give you a present. Be prepared, though. He might try to kiss you – but only if he's already super sweaty...

Earlier this week, we announced our top story of the 2010-11 sports season.

• No.1: FAU begins construction on new on-campus football stadium
• No. 2: FAU basketball's run to the title
• No. 3: FAU TE Rob Housler drafted by Cardinals
• No. 4: Owls notch meaningful wins over FIU
• No. 5: Calling Detroit home.
• No. 6: Baseball team takes two of three from Miami
• No. 7: FAU basketball team beats Mississippi State and South Florida in consecutive games
• No. 8: FAU’s Brett Royster breaks Sun Belt Conference career blocked shots record
• No. 9 Radio announcer Dave Lamont goes on an on-air rant
• No. 10: FAU softball teams sweeps ULL in regular-season

As we flip our calendars ahead to July this morning, here’s another reminder that football season is right around the corner.