Game day arrives and I had an easier time arriving to the stadium but I also planned to get there earlier to miss any possible traffic. The staff and I prepared the recruiting room and set up all the manikins with the FAU jerseys as well as placed the helmets on the table for recruits to see. I really enjoyed one helmet that had reflective red chrome paint with the owl logo decorated as the American Flag. All the recruits and their guest also receive a complimentary meal from the University for attending the game as well as entry to the game. I was in the same station checking in recruits and having conversations with recruits and their parents as they entered the stadium. I enjoyed seeing the faces on some of the recruits because it shows how valuable their decision on where to attend college would be and it brings back memories to when I was in their shoes. I enjoyed the process during high school but tearing my ACL placed a large problem on my recruiting. I did talk to a recruit who tore their ACL and we connected and I also connected with his parents. His parents did show concern on their son not being recruited anymore by certain schools but I did give them confidence and spoke to them about alternatives that I have learned by learning the NCAA rule book. One thing I learned was the power of recruiting the mom because they are very influential over the final decision on where their child goes to play football. I was still in the check in area when the game started and I got to listen to the game. The owls came out to a fast start by leading 9-0 while driving just before half to try and add to their lead. A costly turnover in the final drive changed the landscape of the game since Buffalo scored off the turnover and the score at half was 9-7 with FAU leading. I was hoping they would adjust and come out the second half on fire but similar mistakes and fatigue began to set into the Owls. Turnovers in the second half would again be the issue for FAU and Buffalo capitalized on every opportunity. The final score was 33-15 with Buffalo being victorious which would drop the owls to 0-3 in the season. It was very quiet in the locker room after the game and I knew the next day would be the same. When you are selected to win and lose, at home, it does not leave a good taste in your mouth. I helped again with distribution of meals and then departed after but mentally, I was replaying the game and the conversation with the recruit who injured their knee.
|
AuthorMy day to day experience with FAU Football from my perspective by Feddy Azofeifa. Archives
November 2015
Categories |