He already has a statue in font of the field, but now, Howard Schnellenberger will have the field named in his honor.
Florida Atlantic announced Wednesday that the field at FAU Stadium will be renamed Howard Schnellenberger Field, after the FAU Board of Trustees unanimously approved name.
The school will have a ceremony prior to their home opener against Tulsa on September 13.
“I am humbled beyond belief that the University would bestow this great honor on the Schnellenberger family, and me personally,” Schnellenberger said in a statement released by the school. “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.”
Schnellenberger has been to the FAU Owls what his mentor, Don Shula, was for the Miami Dolphins. Schnellenberger has devoted his time and passion to getting the FAU Football program off the ground.
He spent two years as the school’s director of football operations, though there was no football team, and before he retired in 2011, Schnellenberger had already guided the Owls to a pair of bowl wins.
“Coach Schnellenberger is a legend, a true visionary who always will be synonymous with FAU football,” FAU President John Kelly said. “The university, the community, and fans of college football everywhere look to coach as the consummate leader, and are thankful for all he has done for the sport. I know FAU will always remember this as we cheer our team on the beautiful field that will forever bear his name.”
Schnellenberger understood the importance of an on-campus stadium since he first came to FAU in 1998, and fought for his dream to become a reality.
Now, FAU will pay tribute to their “Godfather” with Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium.