Click here to see a previous story about Shorter's bid for the NAIA Football Championships.
Click here to see a video of the NAIA's championship site visit to Rome.
The Shorter football program now has a feather in its cap — and a motivational tool on its shelf.
The Hawks learned on Thursday that they will be hosting the 2008 and 2009 NAIA national football championship games at Barron Stadium.
So now the question becomes: Can the young Shorter team earn the right to play in the game(s)?
“I can tell you right now that our football team believes we have a chance to get there,” said Shorter junior Lukas Gonzalez. “We’ve made progress every year as a team, and next season — with the championship game being played at Barron — we’re going to be more motivated than ever.”
Shorter has been playing football for only three seasons, and the Hawks have yet to qualify for the playoffs. They have, however, increased their win total in each of the three seasons, including going 7-4 this year, and have been earned national rankings in each of the past two seasons.
For now, Shorter head coach Phil Jones realizes it’s a bit of a leap to think that his young team could be playing in a title game in the next two seasons.
But he is very aware that the Hawks will be energized about chasing that carrot.
“Obviously, there’s a slim chance (that we could play for a title),” said Jones, “and as long as it’s an open chance, we want to work toward having the opportunity to do that.”
Even if the Hawks fail to advance to the championship game, Jones said his team will benefit from the energy that the event is sure to create.
“It’s a big opportunity for our whole school, for our program and the combination of Shorter and the community,” he said. “I think it will excite our players. … It’s going to give them an awareness of a presence of something that is alive and visible.”
Shorter athletic director Bill Peterson said the championship games will be a showcase for Rome and Floyd County.
“People don’t know just what a great football town Rome is,” Peterson said, “(but) now, at least one Saturday every year, people throughout the country are going to hear about and see what a great town this is.”
Gonzalez, the Shorter place-kicker, said he believes the championship games will be a big draw.
“The crowds at our games just keep growing and growing each year,” he said, “and I think that (proves) that there is a lot of interest in college football in Rome. It’s definitely going to be a big plus for this city to be hosting the games.”
Gonzales, a former star at Model, said he has seen the impact that other such events have had on the local area.
“Just look at the tennis tournaments and some of the other things that have come to Rome,” he said. “They have been a big boost to Rome’s (economy), and I believe the games will have the same effect.”
Jones said that the success of the event will hinge on preparation.
“This goes way beyond an old coach just planning to run plays,” said Jones. “This is a big, big thing (for this community).”
Jones said he felt honored to be involved in one of the most significant moments in sports history in Greater Rome.
“I’m just a small part,” he said, “but I really appreciate being a part.”
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