Football announces second recruiting class

FIU has raised approximately $7 million in private support for its new football program. Helping achieve the goal of $10 million in private support are more than 30 Football founders, individuals and businesses that have committed to donating $50,000 to the program over the next five years. FIU has a goal of 50 Founders.

In addition to the donations that will help the university with its start-up costs, the program will run year to year on funds primarily raised by ticket sales and student fees. Student fees currently make up nearly $1 million each year for the program. It is expected that ticket sales will bring in close to $1 million per year and about $500,000 will be raised each year in private donations.

FIU already has 1000 season tickets ordered, and it is expected that the big push will come as the summer nears.

FIU continues to get its accommodations in order for the first game on Aug. 31, 2002. Bids for expanded stadium seating and the stadium sound system should be awarded in the next few months, and a new scoreboard and goalposts are set to arrive by the summer.

Calling the shots NEWS BRIEF

Steve Smith has been hired as offensive line coach to replace Steve Hladio who has returned to New York. Smith, who earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education at Heidelberg College and a master’s degree in health and education from Temple University, coached at Temple University and James Madison. He has also served as offensive line coach at Southridge High School and most recently at Chaminade-Madonna Prep School in Broward.

Curt Wiles FIU Assistant Linebackers Coach

Curt Wiles, FIU Assistant Linebackers Coach COACH PROFILE

Curt Wiles, FIU’s assistant linebackers coach, was a high school football coach for 28 years in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

He served as head coach at Miami Beach, Cooper City, Southwest and Norland high schools and as an assistant coach at Miami Beach, North Miami and Norland.

Wiles played football at the collegiate level at Temple University and at the University of Tampa, separated by a three-year stint in the Marine Corps, where he also played the sport. During his high school years, he was a prep player at North Miami Senior High School.

Wiles is the only FIU alumnus on the coaching staff. He graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

He lives in Davie with his wife Janice. Their daughter, Heather, and their new grandson, Bandon, live in North Carolina. Their son Ty plays football at the University of Minnesota-Morris.

Holiday helper

Freshman defensive back James Knapp delivered gifts to children
of prison inmates through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes this past Christmas. This was done through the Angel Tree
program, part of the National Ministry of Prison Fellowship.
The gifts, which were donated by individuals and companies, benefitted kids who wouldn’t see their parents for the holidays.

Signing day

FIU Football Coach Don Strock will announce the newest members of the FIU football team at a press conference on Wed., Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. at FIU (exact location TBA).

Tours of the field house and new AstroPlay turf are scheduled, and Coach Strock will end the evening by hosting his weekly radio show, “StrockTalk” live at 6 p.m.

StrockTalk airs every Wednesday,
6-8 p.m. on WAXY 790 AM.