2008 Woodie Awards
Da Chickens: Football's Back
Erica Tibbetts
Issue date: 4/1/05 Section: Sports
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The NFL season ended in February and college football ended around the New Year but for Rollins football is just starting. Well, technically it's restarting. Rollins had a football team in the first half of the 20th Century, but the program was ended due to a lack of finances and interest. During the program's short history the Tars (now recognized as the Chickens) were undefeated against such powerhouses as UF and FSU; the only college to never drop a game to these schools.
Now, football is coming back. Past football alumnae and other supporters have donated in excess of 3 million dollars which our new athletic director Bob Knight and President Duncan decided to use to hire a coach. Not just any coach however, President Duncan and AD Knight went all out and hired former New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka.
Many in the football world could not believe a big name like Ditka would actually come to a school like Rollins. When asked about the matter Ditka refused to comment, but rumor has it he wants to step back from the limelight and have more time for his family. There definitely won't be as much media coverage, but Ditka will live comfortably without the pressure that comes with pro football. Local football fans are very excited about the new program and coach, and ticket sales should generate a lot of revenue for the school.
A new stadium is being planned for Mills lawn which will seat 5,000 but until then the Chickens will again be playing at UCF's stadium. The program will technically start next fall, but the team won't officially play any games for the next two years. This will give Ditka time to build a squad and get more support and funds.
Look out for more information about the new team. Updates will be posted on the Rollins Athletics website.
Now, football is coming back. Past football alumnae and other supporters have donated in excess of 3 million dollars which our new athletic director Bob Knight and President Duncan decided to use to hire a coach. Not just any coach however, President Duncan and AD Knight went all out and hired former New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka.
Many in the football world could not believe a big name like Ditka would actually come to a school like Rollins. When asked about the matter Ditka refused to comment, but rumor has it he wants to step back from the limelight and have more time for his family. There definitely won't be as much media coverage, but Ditka will live comfortably without the pressure that comes with pro football. Local football fans are very excited about the new program and coach, and ticket sales should generate a lot of revenue for the school.
A new stadium is being planned for Mills lawn which will seat 5,000 but until then the Chickens will again be playing at UCF's stadium. The program will technically start next fall, but the team won't officially play any games for the next two years. This will give Ditka time to build a squad and get more support and funds.
Look out for more information about the new team. Updates will be posted on the Rollins Athletics website.