Friday's daily briefing: An interesting note about Howard Schnellenberger
By Chuck King
Brian Smith has been around his share of well-known coaches.
He played college ball for Division III St. John's (Minn.), where John Gagliardi calls the shots. Haven't heard of him? You should have. Gagliardi is the winningest NCAA football coach of all time, posting a career record of 478-129-11.
Among other jobs, Smith is currently an offensive line coach at a high school in Minnesota, where the head coach is Mike Grant, son of NFL Hall-of-Fame coach Bud Grant.
A couple years ago Smith also coached on Howard Schnellenberger's (photo) staff at the Texas vs. The Nation game.
A few weeks back Smith had a little free time and he chose to spend it with the Schnellenbergers. He attended practices and was on the sideline for the Troy game. He even came to ESPN 760's Howard Schnellenberger radio show at Hooters that week, which is where we had a chance to sit and talk.
Smith contacted me on Thursday hoping I could help him get in touch with some South Florida media members, intending to send them the note below. I thought it provided an interesting look at the Schnellenbergers and figured FAU fans might find it interesting reading.
I’m writing to share about an experience with a friend, but as your will find out, it is really about a family. Picture this, living in the opposite side of the country and from a different generation, I was not aware of his success on and off the gridiron until two years ago. The time I have spent with him, it has been a pleasure to visit, talk and learn. In using the term learn, it isn’t just about his passion for football, but for life. Yes, he has been successful on the gridiron; it is only half of it.
From another successful coach, I steal this line… A successful coach needs a patient wife, loyal dog, and great quarterback - and not necessarily in that order. Behind my friend, there are all three. He uses football as a vehicle to stress life’s values. Among the wins and losses, a true win is developing young people into men ready to contribute to the world. If one was to make a list of names he has impacted, it goes on and on. When you look in many of his pictures, you see a beautiful person standing by his side. His wife, bless her; she is extremely giving of herself. She takes the time to visit with players and staff throughout the season. During Senior Day, she is standing there sending seniors off in their final home game. Last, you can’t forget their dog Blitz. Whenever you visit their home, there she is greeting you at the door by their side.
Going back to the beginning, being about family, it is more than just the two. While visiting my friends at their home, I was introduced to everyone. And I truly mean everyone. They make you feel part of their family. From meeting the office staff, coaching staff to their own children and grandchildren, everyone is willing to lend you their shirt off their back. Being from across the country, everyone makes you feel at home.
Some of you may already know who I am speaking of and some may not. The family is the Schellenberger’s, Howard and Beverlee. I can’t say enough how welcoming they are to people. As time goes on, and we strengthen our relationships in life, I’m very thankful for to say they are my friends.
Brian Smith
Owl Links – Articles of interest to FAU fans
FAU needed a little extra time, but the Owls ultimately defeated Troy in the Sun Belt opener. Here is the story from FAUOwlaccess.com.