Former coach's name linked to a future FC landmark

Hundreds of Fullerton College athletic coaches, trainers and other staff as well as former Hornet football players and coaches attended the dedication ceremony of the new football stadium.

The facility was officially dedicated to Hal Sherbeck, the former Hornet football coach, who in 30 years amassed 247 wins, three national championships, 16 conference titles and 13 bowl game appearances.

Of those who spoke at the ceremony were: Jim Fassel, former NFL head coach of the New York Giants and current head coach of the UFL's Las Vegas Locomotives, John Pease, former coordinator with the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars and Tim Byrnes, current Hornet head football coach as well as a couple others.

The showing of former players was impressive as the chairs and surrounding crowd was sprinkled with blue shirts that read "Once a Hornet". Members of Sherbeck's teams from just about all teams were in attendence and had a chance to reconnect with former teammates and listen to the experiences that others before and after them shared.

However, the highlight of the ceremony was listening to Sherbeck speak as the former coach still gave valuable words of wisdom and advised the crowd never to "lose the love you have for something that's been good to you." The former head coach was greeted with a standing ovation and after a memorable discussion, left with an ovation as well.

After the speakers were able to share their stories, with much laughter, Sherbeck made his way to the center of the new field (made of artificial turf) with the help of a security cart and with family and close friends behind him, cut the red tape, making the dedication official.

While it is still unknown when the new stadium will be ready for game use, construction is still being conducted to finish the field house and the track.