Holtz Makes Splash in USF Debut

Posted Jan 15, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Jan 15, 2010 at 05:24 PM

Here is a quick story that I wrote for TBO.com; I imagine Bulls fans will give Holtz’s introductory press conference (or pep rally) two thumbs up.

By SCOTT CARTER
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – The University of South Florida opened a new chapter during a pep rally on campus Friday afternoon, where Skip Holtz was officially introduced as the school’s new head football coach before an enthusiastic crowd of school officials, boosters and students.

At one point during Holtz’s speech, a fan yelled “beat Florida.’’

Sharply dressed and sharp on his feet, Holtz quickly shot back: “That’s why I’m here.’’

The crowd of several hundred cheered wildly. USF plays Florida for the first time in school history next season in Gainesville. If Holtz’s tenure at USF goes as well as his introduction, the Bulls’ football program should be in good hands.

“We’ve had a remarkable record, and we have an unstoppable future,’’ USF President Judy Genshaft said during her opening remarks.

Holtz agreed to leave East Carolina and become the second coach in the 14-year history of USF’s program Thursday afternoon. He arrived in Tampa on Thursday night and met with the team for about 20 minutes, delivering a message that focused on putting the past to bed and focusing on building success in the future.

“It’s important to move on,’’ sophomore quarterback B.J. Daniels. “He met with the team and told us he’s here for us. We just let him know as well that we’re in support of him. We don’t like the circumstances it happened under, but we’re behind him.’’

Holtz comes to USF after five years at East Carolina, where he was 38-27, including back-to-back Conference USF titles. He replaces Jim Leavitt, who was fired a week ago after 13 seasons as the Bulls’ head coach.

Holtz was joined on stage by his wife Jennifer, dressed in gold and green, and by daughter Hailey and sons Trey and Chad.

“I’m really excited to be here,’’ Holtz said. “We want to win championships and win a national championship.’’

As Holtz’s energetic speech revved up the crowd, USF senior Rob Beolke soaked up the scene after a tumultuous month for the university and the football team.

“It’s kind of tragic thing with what happened with Leavitt. Nobody is really certain of what happened,’’ Beolke said. “But I think we have really done a good job of getting a guy in who has a pedigree for winning. That’s the best guy out there for us.’’