First Down:
10 Years Years of of JU JU Football Football 10
The 2007 season marks the 10th anniversary of the Jacksonville University football program and the excitement level is at an all-time high. From its humble beginnings, the program is turning into a rising power in the Pioneer Football League. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Kerwin Bell, JU has set its sights on a PFL title in 2007. Nov. 25, 1996 - Athletic Director Tom Seitz (right), with JU Board of Trustees member Tom Donahoo (left) and then JU President Paul Tipton (center) announce the addition of NCAA Division I-AA non-scholarship football at JU.
Sept. 12, 1998 - JU plays its inaugural game against Davidson College in front of 4,890 fans at D.B. Milne Field. The Dolphins score their first touchdown on the fifth offensive play from scrimmage and go on to record the first win in school history, 19-14.
July 23, 2000 - JU accepts an invitation to join the Pioneer Football League beginning in the fall of 2001. Dec. 31, 2000 - Senior linebacker Tommy Swindell ends the season as the NCAA Division I-AA statistical champion in fumble recoveries with nine, en route to first team All-America honors. Nov. 17, 2001 - JU plays in the inaugural Pioneer Football League Championship game in Dayton, Ohio, falling to the second-ranked Flyers, 46-14.
Feb. 26, 1997 - Steve Gilbert is announced as JU’s first head football coach. Sept. 9, 1997 - The Dolphins hold their first practice with 86 players in “The Valley” on the JU intramural fields.
Jan. 5, 1999 - Freshman defensive end Justin Yowell becomes the first JU football player to earn All-America honors when he was named first team All-America by Football Gazette. Oct. 30, 2003 - Emmett Hunter becomes JU’s all-time leading rusher in his 30th game against FIU. He finishes his career with 2,349 yards and 17 touchdowns in 32 games.
12 The Wave