In Keiletz's first ever press conference since joining HPU from Wake Forest, the major announcement was unveiled, and there's more to it than just a football team.
"High Point will not only play football in 2009, but it will be in the Football Bowl Subdivision as an independent, with plans to join a conference later on after success. The team will be the newest member of the 'Big Boys' of College Football, and we've got the blueprints for success starting with a head coach that has passion for starting football here for the Panthers."
The announcement wasn't so shocking. Rumors had floated around campus and President Quebin had hinted towards the possibility of a team this time last year. Panther students and alumni packed the press conference in eager for the big announcement. Finally, football here at High Point.
"This is great. [Keiletz] was a great hire and he made this all possible. The High Point family has been wanting football for some time now, and now this: a team plus the FBS upgrade," alumnus and High Point native Brad O'Reilly said. "I can't wait to see the new stadium."
Football stadium plans were unveiled along with the team announcement. The HPU Football Complex will be a state-of-the-art football stadium complete with an indoor practice facility, weight rooms, coaches' offices, and luxury box.
Candidates for head coach were released as well yesterday. The front runner right now seems to be former Auburn offensive coordinator and, more recently, ESPN analyst Junior Dewrell. The 59 year-old Dewrell has been out of coaching for three years but has expressed desire to build the program at HPU. Other candidates include Duke OC Kurt Roper and Gardner-Webb coach Steve Patton. More information on the team will be released soon, Keiletz says.
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