MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – September 7^th is a historic day for St. Thomas University, as for the first time in school history, Bobcat Football will be played. The inaugural season of STU Football coincides with the 150^th anniversary of College Football, adding to a list of special accomplishments that St. Thomas Football seeks to make in year one.

Football was announced by President David A. Armstrong J.D., on August 29, 2018 and in a touch over a year, football will be played. Following the announcement of the football program in August, President Armstrong hired the first Head Football Coach in Bill Rychel, who started his tenure on December 1, to lead the football team into their first season and beyond.

President Armstrong and Head Coach Rychel are veterans at establishing football programs, as the pair established a football program at Notre Dame College in Cleveland, OH. The focus of the programs built at NDC and St. Thomas University focus on mission, character building, academic success and competition.

Rychel came to STU following a stint at Savannah State University (GA.) and brought assistants Anthony Neymeyier and Nathan Scola to build the first recruiting class, tabbed as "Bobcat1." For their efforts, the trio entered the inaugural campaign with an initial signing class pushing 200 incoming student-athletes, mostly freshmen, and a fourteen-man coaching staff.

"It's been a whirlwind process and I can't believe game day is finally here. It feels like just yesterday it was December 1, with myself, Nate and Tony starting this mission," said Rychel. "I'm proud of the work we have put in as a coaching staff, preparing the players for their first collegiate game. I am also grateful for the effort put in by our President, administration and school in embracing this journey and excited to finally get on the field."

The additional coaches, joining Rychel, are: Alex Gray (Defensive Coordinator), Malik Grove (Quarterbacks), Jerome Smith (Defensive Line), Erick Burzanko (Tight Ends), Tyson Jackson (Defensive Line), Steven Emerson (Corner backs), Terry Swanson (Running backs), Regis Scafe (Strong Safeties), Roy Smith (Inside Wide Receivers), Greg Cielec, Christian Arrasita and Ian Ryan.
2019 is not the start of football at St. Thomas University; rather, it marks the return of America's favorite sport. From 1970 through 1993, the Miami Dolphins held training camp on campus, including for the only perfect season in National Football League history in 1972. "Shula's Tower" and a goal post commemorate the over two-decades the Dolphins spent on campus.

The Miami Dolphins will be honored with an in-game ceremony, as the first-ever "Bobcat Community Award" recipient following the first quarter of the game.

When Bobcat football takes the field for warm-ups, the historic day begins. The first run, pass, touchdown and anything that may happen throughout the course of the game shall mark the first-ever in program history and a genuinely special moment for
all those involved in making this dream, a reality.

St. Thomas University kicks-off the football program and 2019 season with a home opening game against Thomas More University (KY.) played next door at Monsignor Pace High School with kick-off at 12 p.m. STU will play in the Mid-South Conference, representing the Sun Division.

Full Schedule here
Tailgating information here
 
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