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Bowden, Fisher Boost Local Noles

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By SCOTT CARTER The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

TAMPA - The Palma Ceia Country Club isn't exactly The Swamp, but it has a reputation as a friendly retreat for Gators in Seminole land.

That changed Friday night when the Tampa Bay Seminole Club welcomed Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden to town on his 33rd annual booster tour.

"It's great to be back here," Bowden told the packed room of more than 250 FSU supporters. "This is only second time I've been here."

Bowden said the first time was a golf and lunch date "to talk football" with former Bucs coach John McKay, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and former Tampa Tribune sports editor Tom McEwen in the 1980s.

That was around the time the Seminoles kicked off a 14-year run of 10-win seasons and top-five finishes in the national polls. Bowden and his entourage are hoping FSU is on the verge of another strong run before the 78-year-old Bowden finally calls it quits.

"To me, 2008 feels like 1986," said Charlie Barnes, director of Seminole Boosters. "Everyone seems to be upbeat. We used to dream of becoming a top national program. We had that for a long, long time. The boosters are preparing now for the next dynasty."

It's Bowden's job to make that happen, and he pointed out to the enthusiastic crowd that last weekend's NFL draft is a good barometer of the work ahead after back-to-back 7-6 seasons.

"We didn't have hardly anybody in it," Bowden said. "That ain't like us."

To help rev up the fan base, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher is making several tour stops with Bowden, including Friday night's in Tampa. Fisher spoke mostly about the reason he came to FSU and how Bowden has influenced him.

"It is exciting right now for me," Fisher said. "To me, this is the fun part of the job."

Prior to closing his 30-minute speech, Bowden reminded the Tampa audience of the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game coming to Raymond James Stadium. He encouraged the crowd to support the game, with or without FSU.

"If you like having the game here, fill it up," he said. "If you fill the stadium up, they'll be back."

Tampa Bay Seminole Club president Mike Palios said the sold-out event and the morning golf tournament raised approximately $40,000.

"This might be the most successful Bowden Day Tampa has ever seen," Palios said.

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