Bucs coach Schiano encourages local students in message

Greg Schiano pushed for both academic and athletic excellence as the head coach at Rutgers University. He's doing the same as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Schiano taped a phone message that was sent out this week to the households of more than 150,000 Hillsborough County students urging them to focus on attendance during a critical week for their schools.

The schools are nearing the end of one of three annual survey periods, during which the state evaluates enrollment numbers to determine the amount of funding each school will receive.

Schiano, whose Rutgers football teams ranked in the top three in the nation in Academic Performance Rating each of his past four years, reminded students in his message about the importance of attending school regularly.

"As the Bucs' coach, I'm really looking forward to the games on Sundays this fall,'' Schiano said in his taped message. "Critical to our success are the practices, team meetings and film study. That's where we learn. As a coach, I always expect all my players to be there on time and ready to learn because every player counts. It's the same with school.''

Schiano didn't stop there. He also taped a separate message that was delivered via phone calls to students' homes that emphasized the importance of the FCAT testing scheduled for later in the spring.

Schiano's message was appreciated and well received, said Gwen Luney, the assistant superintendent – division of supportive services for the Hillsborough County school district.

"We've had a very positive response," Luney said. "Parents were surprised that he has responded to the district so quickly and glad to hear he was involved in education, not just sports."

Schiano was hired Jan. 25 as the ninth head coach in Bucs history. He replaced Raheem Morris, who produced a 17-31 record during three seasons, including a 4-12 mark in 2011.