And it’s about damn time.
Nearly three years after retiring, the man who was largely (mainly) responsible for the creation of the FAU football program is finally being honored, with the university announcing that the field at FAU Stadium will henceforth be known as Howard Schnellenberger Field. Schnellenberger coached the Owls for the first 11 years of their existence before announcing prior to the season that 2011 would be his final year in coaching.
A ceremony will be held prior to the Sept. 13 home opener against Tulsa to honor Schnellenberger.
“I am humbled beyond belief that the University would bestow this great honor on the Schnellenberger family, and me personally,” said Schnellenberger in a statement. “This is probably the highlight of my coaching career. Thanks to the FAU Board of Trustees, the University, the fans, the players and the coaches that were an integral part of this.”
With the Owls, Schnellenberger had a 58-74 overall record. Schnellenberger’s finished with a career mark of 158-151-3 that included stops at Miami and Louisville. Included in that total is the 1983 national title he won with the Hurricanes.
And, now that he’s been honored by the football program he built from scratch, it’s time for the College Football Hall of Fame to rid itself of the archaic and asinine rule that’s keeping a more-than-deserving coach from being honored.