Gold Roses.
Posted: 07 Oct 2019, 01:18
Long Beach State announces football program to start in 2019
Jalen Hernandez -- DynastySports.com
It has been a talking point among Long Beach State administration members for years. The interest has always been there, but timing was key for a decision of this magnitude.
In the end, the time is now, and the decision came from looking within and discovering strength.
“We have strong enrollment, great facilities, great faculty and great resources,” athletic director Andy Fee said. “And when you put that together, you have an opportunity to really impact the university and we felt like the time was now.”
College football is coming back to Long Beach State University.
Fee, Anderson University president Dr. Jane Close Conoley, members of the Cal State-Long Beach Board of Trust, and regional civic leaders were on hand for a formal announcement on Friday.
"We're hoping that a lot fans will come and support us, fall in love with the team and program and come be a part of what we're trying to accomplish," Conoley said.
Kickoff is set for 2019, with athletes reporting to campus in 2018. This four-year gap gives the university time to prepare adequately in all phases for this new, major endeavor. The addition of football will be a huge transition for the university, not just athletics specifically.
Preparation has been the word that’s been at the forefront of administration’s minds when determining how to roll out the program. They’ve done extensive research, consulted with other schools within the conference and want to make sure the athletes have the best chance to compete when the first game is played in 2019. The most important decision to make: the head coach.
To this point, the search hasn’t started, but will commence once the full funding is in place. Fee is projecting early 2021 at the latest in regards to naming a head coach.
The 49ers will play as an Independent in Division I FBS.
Long Beach State competed in Division I football for a number of years (1969–91), producing a number of professional players, including Terrell Davis and Mike Horan, among others. George Allen, the famed Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins coach, had a short one-year tenure at Long Beach State. Long Beach State discontinued its football program after the 1991 season due to budget constraints. Prior to going Division I in 1969 the football team competed in the old "College Division" of the NCAA from 1955 through 1968.
The time in between announcement and play also lends time for the university to finalize a playing space. Long Beach last played its home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium, in Long Beach, California. Since 1991, the stadium has been used by multiple local high schools but the administration is fully invested in having its own space for the start of the 2019 season.
[spoiler]Grabbing a plate of tiny hand food, James shoved the food down his throat as he continued to survey the table. The media had already gone through most of the good items, particularly the chicken sandwich sliders that James had his eyes on since he walked into the classroom that had been converted into a press conference room.
Jordon had just announced that he was committing to San Diego State and while none of the San Diego State coaches that had made the trip to see the announcement couldn't interact with the media during the live broadcast, they were now using the trip to also get to know some of the other Laney players, even taking a Hail Mary swipe at Ricky.
"Jackson, right?"
James turned around, mouth full of food, and reached his hand out to shake the hand of a gentleman that seemed to be in his late 50s.
"Yes," James wiped his mouth, "James Jackson, sir."
"Jeff Horton," coach Horton smiled, "We spoke over the phone a few times."
"Ah, yes, of course. How was the trip?"
"It came with a happy ending," coach Horton nodded over to Jordon, who was talking to some of the other San Diego State coaches, "We're always happy to get guys like Jordon and yourself in the program."
James simply nodded in agreement. He had taken Ricky's advice and wasn't committing to any school that had another quarterback already in the same class, even one like Jordon who he was confident he was better than.
"Wouldn't you love to catch passes from your college buddy?" coach Horton gave James a strong pat on the shoulder, almost knocking him over, "I know we wanted you at quarterback but I've been telling our staff since day one, you're too good of an athlete to play that position. You can sling it but trust me, for the next level, you're better off playing receiver and with guys like Derrick Henry, running back ain't out the question either."
James ignored the quip about Jordon being his buddy, it was the only way to stop him from laughing.
"I hear you," James answered, "I'm just not ready to make a decision right now but I'd really like to play quarterback at the next level and right now, it doesn't look like that'll be San Diego State. I'm just being honest, coach."
"Listen," coach Horton brought him in closer, "You keep playing like you're playing at quarterback and we'll do what needs to be done for you to be our quarterback."
James looked at him with a puzzled face.
"We're not going to let anything get in the way of you playing for us if that's what you want," coach Horton said firmly, "Anything or anyone. It's your spot if you want it for this class."
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