Photo: BCU Coach Alvin Wyatt, SR.By BILL FAY, Tampa Tribune correspondent
The stakes surrounding Saturday's season opener between Bethune-Cookman University and Jacksonville University will be higher than either side dreamed when this contract was signed a year ago.
That's because former University of Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell has taken over as JU's head coach, bringing credibility and vision to a program that had neither its first nine years of existence (35-54 record).
Bell led Ocala Trinity Catholic to a state football championship in 2005 and runner-up finish in 2006.
Although the program competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA), it offers no scholarships and there are no plans to change that. Still, Bell thinks he can get the Dolphins competitive.
"I love challenges," Bell said. "I have a passion for doing things people say can't be done."
B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt likes the sound of Bell's aspirations. The current contract is only for two years, but if Bell is successful at quickly upgrading JU's program, this game could be the start of an annual series that would be profitable for both programs.
"I hope this does develop into a rivalry," Wyatt said. "That's going to mean a lot more people in the stands, a lot more interest in the game and I like being involved in games like that."
The stakes surrounding Saturday's season opener between Bethune-Cookman University and Jacksonville University will be higher than either side dreamed when this contract was signed a year ago.
That's because former University of Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell has taken over as JU's head coach, bringing credibility and vision to a program that had neither its first nine years of existence (35-54 record).
Bell led Ocala Trinity Catholic to a state football championship in 2005 and runner-up finish in 2006.
Although the program competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA), it offers no scholarships and there are no plans to change that. Still, Bell thinks he can get the Dolphins competitive.
"I love challenges," Bell said. "I have a passion for doing things people say can't be done."
B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt likes the sound of Bell's aspirations. The current contract is only for two years, but if Bell is successful at quickly upgrading JU's program, this game could be the start of an annual series that would be profitable for both programs.
"I hope this does develop into a rivalry," Wyatt said. "That's going to mean a lot more people in the stands, a lot more interest in the game and I like being involved in games like that."
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