Getting to the field
Football fans and Faulkner supporters can finally meet on the field. Head coach Jim Nichols is taking action to continue making the dream of a football team a reality. With Nichols’ experience as the graduate assistant coach at Auburn University and his love of Christian education, he is the ideal person to spearhead the new program.
This is an exciting time for the University. “We believe the football program will bring much excitement to our campus and student life,” said President Billy D. Hilyer. “It will provide our students, even those who are not athletes, with an excellent opportunity for.”
Nichols and his wife, Haley, currently live in Auburn with their two children, Gracie and Peyton. He graduated from Harding University in 1998 after being the punter for the 1996 football team.
As coach Nichols tackles fine tuning the football program, he takes a time out to answer a few of our questions.
How has the public responded to Faulkner’s football program?
It’s been overwhelmingly good. We have had over 100 student athletes complete our on-line questionnaire and have taken an average of 30 phone calls a day fielding questions about the program. People in the area are glad this is happening. The young men just want to play football. At Faulkner, they can do that while learning more about the Lord.
What steps have been taken in preparation for the inaugural season?
When starting a program there are a lot of steps that need to be taken. We are taking the right ones to make the program the best it can be. From the beginning, things have progressed efficiently. The marketing team did a great job promoting Faulkner football by getting the word out quickly. We have established an office on campus. Setting the schedule for the 2007 and 2008 seasons has begun, as well as recruiting players. These are just a few of the many things we have done in a month's time and we are still going at it strong.
At this point, what are you working on?
Right now we are looking forward to seeing how many players will begin at Faulkner this fall. We didn't expect many because we announced it in June, but the response has proved otherwise. This has led us to believe we still have a chance with some players out there. Also, I'm in the process of interviewing coaches and football support staff. The land where the practice field will be built is being cleared. Seeing things like that happen gets me really excited about being at Faulkner. We’re also working on joining a conference in our 2008 season.
Who are we going to play?
Our schedule will be released in the spring of 2007. Huntingdon College will be one of our competitors. This will be good for both schools and the city of Montgomery. The scheduling has gone great up to this point. I’m satisfied with where we are.
What are your hopes for the first season?
There are a lot of things I think about concerning our first season. Of course, I want to win! For the most part, it depends on the players and how well they pick up our offense and defense in a short time. Several freshmen will be playing because of the newness of the program, which will have its tough points. We want quality students as players. I truly believe you need to start from the ground floor to create a program and that begins with good student athletes.
I would like to start a program for our guys similar to FCA. This will give them the opportunity to work with the community by helping others and being a positive example for local children. In the future, I want to start a group of alumni, parents and fans that can have some input into the program.
As you can see, I'm busy but excited about this program and Faulkner University. This time next year, things will be in place and we will be getting ready for those hot 2-a-day practices. Go Eagles!
